Broccoli-Rice Hot Dish
A comforting broccoli and rice casserole with creamy mushroom and celery flavors, topped with cheesy Whiz, perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the margarine in a large bowl or saucepan.
- Add the uncooked Minute rice, chopped onion, frozen chopped broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and chopped celery and/or green peppers if using.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish or 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
- Spread a small jar of Cheez Whiz evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the mixture before baking. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked Minute rice. To boost the flavor, try adding garlic powder or a dash of paprika. This dish is versatile, so feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables or use leftover ingredients from other recipes like Hush Puppies With Corn.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli-Rice Hot Dish is perfect as a main course, especially when paired with a simple side salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it alongside protein options like grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, consider serving with Pineapple Supreme Bundt Cake to round out your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Rice Hot Dish contains roughly 596 calories, with 9g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2400mg per serving (104% 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 definitely use fresh broccoli! Just make sure to chop it into small pieces and blanch it briefly in boiling water before adding it to the dish. This will ensure it cooks thoroughly during baking and maintains its vibrant color and crunch.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for the soups?
Absolutely! Look for vegetarian cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups available in most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version using vegetable broth and a roux to create a creamy base, which will keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time! Assemble the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
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).