Texas Broccoli And Rice
A hearty casserole combining tender broccoli, rice, and savory cheese flavors, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a creamy, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute celery and onion in butter in a saucepan until tender.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, Cheez Whiz, and cooked rice in a bowl.
- Break the frozen chopped broccoli apart with a fork.
- Add the broccoli to the cheese mixture.
- Add salt, pepper, and the sautéed onion mixture to the bowl and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Refrigerate for 12 hours.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the mixture before baking. If you don't have Cheez Whiz, a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheese works well. You can also substitute fresh broccoli for frozen, just steam it lightly before adding. Make sure to adjust the salt based on the saltiness of the cream of chicken soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Texas Broccoli and Rice dish as a hearty side alongside your favorite chicken recipes or as a main dish for a vegetarian meal. It pairs beautifully with Elisabeth'S Lemon Chicken for a complete meal. For a fresh touch, consider adding a side salad or some crusty bread to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to retain moisture and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture may vary upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Broccoli And Rice contains roughly 852 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (17% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy weeknight dinner option.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken soup or a can of cream of mushroom soup as a substitute. For a lighter version, consider using a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth, which will still provide creaminess without the added fat.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for some heat. Alternatively, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
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).