Description
Hearty broccoli cheese rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy textures and rich flavors. Cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients invite you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12.6 ounces (357 grams) frozen broccoli
- 1.5 cups minute rice
- 3/4 pound (340 grams) Velveeta
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Liquid and Creamy Components:
- 10.5 ounces (296 milliliters) milk
- 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
Supplementary Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) water chestnuts
Instructions
- Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, ensuring they retain a vibrant green color and are not overcooked. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare rice in a separate pot, following package instructions for precise water ratio and cooking time. Fluff with a fork once cooked to separate grains.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked broccoli, prepared rice, and remaining ingredients, stirring gently to distribute components evenly without mashing the rice.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent heat distribution.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a complete coverage that will melt and form a golden, crispy layer during baking.
- Place casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a lightly browned cheese crust that indicates the dish is thoroughly heated.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the casserole to set and flavors to meld before serving hot.
Notes
- Enhance broccoli’s texture by slightly undercooking it before adding to the casserole, ensuring a crisp-tender bite in the final dish.
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile to the casserole.
- Use low-fat cheese or a blend of cheeses for a lighter version without compromising the creamy, comforting taste of the dish.
- For a gluten-free option, verify that all ingredients, especially any cream-based components, are certified gluten-free before preparing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg