Rice And Broccoli Casserole(Preparation Time: 20 Minutes; Cook Time: 1 Hour.)
A creamy, cheesy casserole combining rice, broccoli, and water chestnuts, topped with Cheez Whiz. Perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks, offering comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix cooked rice, cooked and drained broccoli, chopped onion, margarine, cream of chicken soup, milk, and water chestnuts in a casserole dish.
- Spread Cheez Whiz on top of the mixture.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce. If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider adding crushed crackers or fried onions on top before baking. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just blanch it briefly before mixing. Adjust the milk quantity based on desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice and Broccoli Casserole pairs beautifully with a side of roasted chicken or a simple garden salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, serve with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce. It also complements dishes like Mother'S Chicken Salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Broccoli Casserole(Preparation Time: 20 Minutes; Cook Time: 1 Hour.) contains roughly 718 calories, with 15g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1473mg per serving (64% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. If baking from cold, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, and cover tightly with foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What are some variations I can try?
You can add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein, or mix in other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup and add beans for protein. Browse more American recipes for additional ideas.
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).