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Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cheddar Sauce
Whip up this nostalgic creamy broccoli rice casserole with tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese – a family-friendly recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
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Servings: 8
Calories: 100kcal
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Ingredients
- 2 (10.8-oz) pkgs Birds Eye Steamfresh Broccoli Florets, thawed
- 2 cups cooked white rice
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup onion diced, about 1 small onion
- 2 stalks celery finely diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 (12-oz) cans evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated, divided
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Base for the Cheese Sauce
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a medium pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the onions and celery, and cook until softened and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Thicken:
- Stir in the flour, minced garlic, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Add the Milk:
- Gradually pour in the evaporated milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in paprika and 1½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Season to Taste:
- Taste the cheese sauce and add salt and pepper, if needed, to adjust the flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Casserole Ingredients
- Mix the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, and prepared cheese sauce.
- Stir everything together until the ingredients are fully coated in the cheese sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Pour the rice, broccoli, and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Top and Bake
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake It:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let it Cool:
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Scoop out portions and enjoy your cheesy broccoli and rice casserole!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 192mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.2mg
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.