Quick 'N Easy Casserole
A quick, cheesy broccoli casserole combining tender chicken, rice, and vegetables with a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place broccoli in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 7 minutes to partially thaw.
- Stir in rice, cooked chicken or ham, cream of mushroom soup, milk, half the cheese, and onion.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use frozen broccoli instead of fresh, and consider swapping out the chicken or ham for leftover meats from your meals. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack for a unique flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can speed up the process even further. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up ingredients from other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. Consider serving with cornbread on the side for a comforting touch. It also makes for great leftovers, providing an easy lunch option the next day. For a different spin, try it alongside a creamy soup like Crab (Or Shrimp) Bisque.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick 'N Easy Casserole contains roughly 1285 calories, with 42g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), calcium (81% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2658mg per serving (116% 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 brown rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as it requires a longer cooking duration. Pre-cook the brown rice according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole to ensure everything cooks evenly and the texture is just right.
What can I use if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with homemade white sauce or a different condensed soup like cream of chicken. Alternatively, blending sautéed mushrooms with cream can create a similar base for the casserole without the canned option.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven to maintain its texture and flavor.
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).