Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe with Cream of Mushroom: Crispy Celery Crown Over Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This broccoli rice casserole recipe with cream of mushroom delivers the perfect balance of crispy celery crown and velvety mushroom sauce—a comforting side that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.

The secret lies in layering buttery rice, tender broccoli, and creamy mushroom soup, then topping it with celery for that signature golden crunch. With just 30 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven, this casserole brings effortless elegance to any table.

The magic happens when the celery crown browns into crispy perfection while the creamy mushroom filling stays rich and tender. This dish is foolproof, requiring no fancy techniques—just a baking dish, a few pantry staples, and patience for the celery to achieve that irresistible crunch.

Serve it warm alongside roasted chicken or steak for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.

Ingredients for broccoli rice casserole recipe with cream of mushroom

Layered comfort with crispy celery crown and creamy mushroom filling for a restaurant-worthy side.

The celery crown is where the magic happens—fresh, crisp stalks are non-negotiable for that signature crunch. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods carry the best quality, but any bright green, firm celery works. For the rice, long-grain white is ideal—it stays separate and absorbs flavors beautifully. The cheddar should be medium or sharp; pre-shredded gets clumpy, so grab a block and grate it yourself. The cream of mushroom soup is the backbone of flavor—Campbell's Condensed is a reliable choice, but homemade mushroom cream sauce (sautéed mushrooms, cream, and a touch of garlic) elevates it further.

No cream of mushroom soup? Homemade version with sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, and a splash of chicken broth works beautifully. Substituting the heavy cream for Greek yogurt at half the amount keeps it lighter but still rich. For the celery crown, flour and butter create the perfect crispy texture—don't skip the flour, or it'll stay soggy. The onion and garlic are foundational for flavor, but if you're short on time, onion powder and garlic powder at one-third the amount will suffice. The broccoli should be cut into even-sized florets for consistent cooking—fresh or frozen both work, but thaw frozen first.

This casserole reheats beautifully—350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. The celery crown stays crispy if you cover it loosely with foil. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. For make-ahead prep, assemble the casserole (without topping) a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake straight from cold—add 10 minutes to the baking time. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more comforting the next day.

Step-by-step instructions for broccoli rice casserole with creamy mushroom sauce

Master this comforting casserole with a perfect balance of crispy celery crown and velvety mushroom sauce.

In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups long-grain white rice with 4 cups water and bring to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp ground black pepper to the water. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.

Simmer for 15 minutes until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid but still has a slight bite—this is crucial for the final texture. You'll want to see small pockets of water remaining but no completely dry spots. Drain any excess water through a fine-mesh strainer and return the rice to the saucepan. Set aside while you prepare the broccoli mixture.

In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 1 whole yellow onion and 3 cloves garlic cloves, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance. This foundational step builds the flavor profile for the entire dish.

Pour in the 2 cups cream of mushroom soup and 0.5 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the 0.5 cup heavy cream and 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt completely into a smooth, velvety sauce.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the 4 cups fresh broccoli florets. Pour the warm mushroom sauce over the rice mixture and gently fold everything together until evenly distributed. The broccoli should be fully coated in the creamy sauce, and the rice should be thoroughly incorporated.

Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly into a single layer. Press down gently to ensure even cooking and to create a smooth surface for the crispy celery crown topping. This step is essential for achieving that perfect balance of textures in the finished dish.

In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tbsp water to form a thick paste. Thinly slice the 3 whole celery stalks into long, even strips. Dip each strip into the flour mixture, coating both sides thoroughly, then arrange them in a decorative pattern on top of the casserole.

Bake the casserole uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the celery crown is deep golden brown and crispy, and the top of the casserole is bubbly and lightly browned. The celery should hold its shape when lifted, indicating it's properly crisped. If the celery browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes cooking.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the dish, ensuring each bite is creamy and flavorful. The crispy celery crown will soften slightly but maintain its texture when served immediately.

Garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired, and serve with a side salad or crusty bread. The contrast between the crispy celery crown and the creamy mushroom rice will be the star of your meal—each element perfectly balanced in texture and flavor.

Health benefits of this broccoli rice casserole recipe with cream of mushroom

Protein Powerhouse

This casserole packs a surprising 12-15 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the combination of rice and cheddar cheese. The 1.5 cups shredded cheddar provides all nine essential amino acids while keeping the dish satisfyingly filling.

For extra protein, I sometimes stir in ½ cup cooked chicken breast or ½ cup crumbled bacon—both add depth and texture without altering the creamy base. 💪

Low-Calorie Comfort

At just 350-400 calories per serving, this dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort without the guilt. The cream of mushroom soup and heavy cream provide richness while the broccoli adds fiber and nutrients, balancing the meal.

Swapping half the heavy cream for Greek yogurt reduces calories by 50 per serving while maintaining creaminess. The celery crown adds crunch without significant calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Fiber-Rich Broccoli

The 4 cups fresh broccoli florets contribute 8-10 grams of fiber per serving, supporting digestion and keeping you full longer. Broccoli also provides vitamin C (135% daily value) and vitamin K (180% daily value), both essential for immune function and bone health.

I always use fresh broccoli for maximum nutrients, but frozen works in a pinch—just thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole.

Calcium Boost

The 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese delivers 40% of your daily calcium needs per serving, crucial for bone health and muscle function. Calcium also helps regulate blood pressure and nerve signaling.

For a lighter option, I sometimes use Parmesan cheese (which has more calcium per ounce) mixed with the cheddar—just reduce the total amount to 1 cup to maintain balance. The calcium in this dish makes it a great side for anyone watching their bone health.

Healthy Fats

The 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 0.5 cup heavy cream provide saturated fats that support brain function and hormone production. While these aren't "heart-healthy" fats, they're used in moderation here.

For a heart-smart swap, I replace 2 tbsp butter with olive oil in the mushroom sauce—it reduces saturated fat by 20% per serving while adding beneficial monounsaturated fats. The celery crown's flour-butter coating adds a touch of crispy indulgence without overpowering the dish's nutritional benefits. 🥑

Meal Prep Friendly

This casserole reheats beautifully while retaining its nutritional benefits, making it perfect for meal prep. The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats keeps you energized for hours—ideal for busy weeknights.

I often assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and bake straight from the fridge (adding 10 minutes to the cooking time). The flavors deepen during storage, and the nutritional profile remains intact, proving that comfort food can be nutritious too!

Frequently asked questions