Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole combining tender broccoli florets, cheesy Velveeta, and flavorful sautéed vegetables. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main, this easy-to-make bake comes together quickly and is topped with crunchy sliced almonds for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 4 cups small fresh broccoli florets
- 1 (4-oz) package sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Melt Cheese Mixture: To the skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture while stirring occasionally until the cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice and fresh broccoli florets, mixing until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top the casserole with the sliced almonds to add a crunchy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute Velveeta with reduced-fat cheese and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
- You can add cooked chicken or turkey to make it a more substantial meal.
- Make sure the broccoli florets are small so they cook fully during baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
