Old Fashioned Broccoli And Rice Casserole
A comforting broccoli and rice casserole with creamy cheese, perfect for family dinners. Savory, cheesy, and easy to prepare, it suits all tastes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 10 ounce package frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 10 3/4 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 4 ounces cheese spread ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/16 teaspoon red pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chopped onions and celery until tender-crisp.
- Add cooked rice, frozen chopped broccoli, condensed cream of chicken soup, cheese spread, salt, black pepper, and red pepper sauce. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Top with grated cheese and return to oven until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onions and celery. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom variant for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat cheese spread and reduced-fat cheese. For a different texture, try adding a handful of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a hearty main dish and pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Mini-Popovers for a comforting family dinner. For a robust meal, consider pairing it with roasted chicken or grilled fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Broccoli And Rice Casserole contains roughly 216 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (190% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1672mg per serving (73% 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, fresh broccoli can be used! Steam or blanch it briefly before adding to the mixture to ensure it cooks properly in the casserole. Just chop it into small florets to allow even cooking.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This broccoli and rice casserole pairs well with a light salad or roasted vegetables. Consider serving it with a tangy vinaigrette salad to balance the creamy flavors. For a heartier option, grilled chicken or fish would be excellent companions.
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).