If there’s something I always turn to when I need a big, comforting, belly-warming dish, it’s a good old-fashioned casserole. There’s just something about the blend of different flavors and textures, all melding together in one pot, that simply spells home for me. And among the many casseroles I’ve tried and loved, one dish stands out: Broccoli and Rice Casserole. This dish, with its creamy, cheesy goodness, and the wonderful crunch of broccoli, always hits the spot. Casseroles have been a staple in American kitchens for generations, and this recipe is no exception. The combination of rice, broccoli, and cheese creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a quiet night in. And while casseroles are often seen as comfort food, this Broccoli and Rice Casserole also packs a nutritional punch, with the broccoli providing a good dose of vitamins A and C, fiber, and iron. But what I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in no time. So why not give it a try? I promise you, this Broccoli and Rice Casserole will soon become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.
Ingredients
- 1 c. rice
- 1 pkg. chopped broccoli
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 small jar pimentos
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 small can milk
- 1 small jar Cheez Whiz
Baking Instructions
- Cook rice. Cook broccoli. Saut the onions. Add pimento, soup, milk and Cheez Whiz. Mix with rice and broccoli. Pour into casserole. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Top with grated cheese. Bake until cheese is melted.
Calorie: 400
Total cooking time: 45 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Cheesy Chronicles: A Broccoli And Rice Casserole Saga
Setting the Stage
It all started on a rainy Tuesday evening. The kind of day that screams for comfort food, the kind that wraps you up in a warm blanket of cheesiness. So, naturally, my cravings led me to the classic Broccoli and Rice Casserole. The combination of rice, broccoli, onion, pimentos, cream of chicken soup, and milk is nothing short of magical.
The Gathering of Ingredients
Armed with a shopping list, I ventured to the local supermarket. As I walked down the aisles, I picked up 1 c. rice, 1 pkg. chopped broccoli, 1 onion, and 1 small jar of pimentos. I stopped at the soup aisle, where we all know the real magic happens, and grabbed a can of cream of chicken soup. Then, I swung by the dairy section to pick up a small can of milk. And finally, the pièce de résistance, a small jar of Cheez Whiz. If you thought this was going to be a health food blog, you’re on the wrong webpage, my friend.
The Cooking Commences
Back in my kitchen, I started with the rice. Cooking rice is like watching paint dry, except the paint smells delicious and you get to eat it afterward. With the rice simmering away, I moved onto the broccoli. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Broccoli? In a comfort food recipe?” But trust me, it’s just there to make you feel a tad better about the mountain of cheese that’s coming.
The Assembly
While the broccoli was doing its thing, I chopped the onion and started sautéing it. The aroma of the onions cooking, mixed with the pimentos, was enough to make my stomach rumble in anticipation.
Next, I added the cream of chicken soup and milk to the pan. It looked like a weird, creamy soup at first, but as it simmered, it quickly turned into a sauce that looked like it belonged in a five-star restaurant. That’s when I added the Cheez Whiz. If you’ve never watched Cheez Whiz melt into a soup, you’re missing out. It’s like watching a cheesy sunrise.
The Grande Finale
Now, it was time to combine everything. I mixed the rice and broccoli with my cheesy concoction and poured it into a casserole dish. The oven was preheated to 350°, ready for the casserole to bake for 10 minutes. I then topped it with grated cheese, because, you know, there wasn’t enough cheese already. Back in the oven it went until the cheese was melted and bubbling.
The Verdict
The resulting Broccoli and Rice Casserole was nothing short of a cheesy, comforting symphony. The broccoli added just the right amount of crunch, and the layer of melted cheese on top was the icing on the cake, or should I say, the cheese on the casserole.
So there you have it, folks. Next time you’re craving comfort food, remember this tale. And remember, there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
