Cheese Broccoli Rice
A cheesy broccoli rice dish with fresh vegetables, savory flavors, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli or 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1 (11 oz.) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a wok, melt butter or margarine over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped celery and chopped green pepper; stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add chopped broccoli and uncooked rice; stir-fry for 3 minutes longer.
- Stir in water, condensed Cheddar cheese soup, dried basil, and salt.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until rice and broccoli are done, stirring often.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of water. If you're short on time, you can substitute instant rice for long grain rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding a handful of grated Parmesan cheese during the final minutes of cooking can enhance the cheesiness. For a twist, try adding some cooked chicken or shrimp for protein, making this dish even more satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheese Broccoli Rice makes a great side dish paired with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or roast vegetables. It also complements dishes like Walnut-Mushroom Asparagus beautifully. You can garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese for added flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rice mixture in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Broccoli Rice contains roughly 777 calories, with 8g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of cheese soup?
Yes, you can substitute with other cheese soups like cream of cheddar or even a homemade cheese sauce for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the consistency is similar so it blends well with the rice and vegetables.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure that the cheese soup you use is vegetarian-friendly. You can also enhance the dish's nutritional value by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the point of simmering. Just refrigerate the uncooked mixture and then cook it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep, saving you time on busy days.
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).