Zesty Broccoli Rice Bake
A flavorful baked rice casserole with broccoli, creamy soups, cheese, and a hint of jalapenos, perfect for family dinners or potlucks craving comfort and zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped celery and onion in butter until tender.
- Cook and drain frozen chopped broccoli.
- Combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and Cheez Whiz in a saucepan and heat until blended.
- Mix the cooked onion mixture, soup mixture, cooked broccoli, and cooked rice together.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and top with grated cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or place in a crock-pot for parties.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the Cheez Whiz with a blend of shredded low-fat cheese. If you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding diced jalapenos into the mixture or as a topping. You can also use leftover cooked chicken to enhance the protein content, making it a great way to repurpose leftovers from other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Zesty Broccoli Rice Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra protein boost, serve alongside grilled shrimp or chicken. It's a perfect dish for gatherings, and you can easily double the recipe for larger crowds, making it great for parties or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Broccoli Rice Bake contains roughly 928 calories, with 12g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1074mg per serving (47% 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. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce. Just ensure the consistency is similar to maintain the dish's creamy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soups, and ensure that the Cheez Whiz is vegetarian-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful dish without any meat.
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).