Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Bake Casserole

This Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Bake is a great, easy weeknight meal or side dish. Perfect for a family dinner or get-together. No cream soups or sour cream are needed for this simple take on a classic recipe!

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes Total Time: 55 Minutes Servings: 8 Servings

This Broccoli Bake makes a delicious side dish or a main dish in itself. I enjoy a classic meal like this, and for our family, this meal is not only delicious, but it has become a comfort food staple. This awesome homemade version of a Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Bake. It contains NO “cream of” soups, just wholesome milk.  

I’ve been craving Broccoli Cheddar Casserole for quite some time, and I finally got around to making it. It goes perfectly with this Easy Weeknight Barbecue Meatloaf or this Delicious Parmesan Pork Tenderloin.

Why You Will Like This Casserole

Ultra-Cheesy Goodness – Loaded with melty cheddar cheese in every bite.

Family Favorite – Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters.

Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Ingredients Need

Please note that a full list of ingredients and a printable version of this recipe is available below.

• Rotini pasta – I love using rotini because those little spirals grab onto all that cheesy goodness. Cooking it al dente is key—it holds up perfectly during baking without turning mushy.
• Velveeta cheese – I know some might turn their noses up at Velveeta, but trust me—nothing melts smoother or creamier. It creates that luscious, velvety texture that makes this casserole so irresistible.
• Broccoli florets – I like to keep things balanced, so the broccoli adds a pop of green, a bit of crunch, and a healthy boost to an otherwise indulgent dish. It’s also how I sneak veggies onto the plate without complaints!
• Milk – A splash of milk helps thin out the cheese sauce just enough so it coats everything evenly. It keeps the casserole from drying out and makes it extra creamy.
• Butter – Melted butter gives the topping that golden, crispy finish I can’t resist. It also adds a rich flavor that ties everything together.
• Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers – This is the secret to that crave-worthy crunchy topping. I usually go for crushed Ritz because they add a buttery, savory punch that’s honestly my favorite part of the whole bake.
• Salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning, but it brings out the best in every ingredient. I usually taste as I go and adjust based on the cheese and cracker topping.

Want to add a little protein? Just toss in some cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even leftover ham to make this tender broccoli bake a meal.

How To Make Cheesy Broccoli Bake Casserole

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

STEP TWO: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the milk and Velveeta cheese. Stir often until completely melted. Melting down in a stockpot takes a few minutes, but make sure to stir so the cheese doesn’t burn to the bottom of the pan. Then set aside.

STEP THREE: Spoon the cooked pasta into a 13×9 pan. Then top with broccoli florets. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

STEP FOUR: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and broccoli.

STEP FIVE: Then mix the melted butter into the bread crumbs. Then sprinkle evenly all over the top of your casserole.

STEP SIX: Bake for 30- 40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Then let it sit on the stove for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.  

More Great Dinner Recipe Ideas

Delicious Parmesan Pork Cutlet

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

Orange Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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