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Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole First Image

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and cheesy casserole loaded with broccoli, rice, and cheddar cheese.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked chicken (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  4. Make Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth until smooth. Cook until the mixture thickens.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted. Add cooked rice, broccoli, chicken (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
  • Using a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, can add a unique flavor.
  • To make it more nutritious, you can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
  • If you prefer a crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg