Broccoli, Rice And Cheese
A comforting casserole combining tender rice, broccoli, and creamy cheese flavors, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice, salt, and margarine in 2 cups water for about 15 minutes, covered.
- Combine the thawed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mushroom soup, milk, Cheez Whiz, and chopped onion.
- Mix in the cooked rice.
- Put the mixture in a covered 2-quart dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a full can of milk instead of half. You can substitute the Cheez Whiz with a blend of shredded cheddar for a more traditional flavor. If you want to add protein, diced cooked chicken can be mixed in, making it similar to Jan'S Chicken And Dumplings. Also, ensure the broccoli is thoroughly thawed to avoid excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a hearty main course on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls. You might also enjoy it with a light soup, like a classic minestrone, to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli, Rice And Cheese contains roughly 1464 calories, with 15g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain a vibrant color and ensure it's cooked through in the final dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup. You can also omit the chicken broth from the milk and use a plant-based milk alternative for a completely vegetarian-friendly option.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).