Quick Broccoli And Rice Casserole
A quick and cheesy broccoli and rice casserole combining seasoned Rice-A-Roni, tender broccoli, and creamy soup, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal for the family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook Rice-A-Roni as directed, but cut the cooking time in half.
- Add the cooked broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and instant rice to the cooked Rice-A-Roni, then stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- If the casserole appears dry, add a little milk before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some onions or garlic before adding the Rice-A-Roni. If you want a creamier texture, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or use cream of mushroom soup. You can also add cooked chicken or ham for extra protein. For a vegetarian option, substitute with vegetable soup and add some shredded cheese on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or even as a side dish for grilled meats. For a comforting dinner, it goes well with hearty American recipes like Southern Chicken And Dumplings or Chicken Chipulos.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk if it appears dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Broccoli And Rice Casserole contains roughly 116 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 make sure to blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole to ensure it's tender. This will help it cook properly in the oven and integrate well with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a homemade cream sauce. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the Rice-A-Roni for added flavor without any meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture before baking. You can also stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Just adjust to your taste preferences!
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).