I am incredibly excited to share this recipe with you all today! It’s a dish that brings back so many warm memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners – a Rice-Broccoli Casserole. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a comforting, hearty and wonderfully cheesy dish that’s guaranteed to warm you up from the inside. Now, you might be thinking, ‘A casserole? Really?’ But trust me, this is a casserole done right. The combination of rice and broccoli provides a delightful texture and the soups add a creaminess that is simply irresistible. The best part is the addition of Cheez Whiz, which adds a unique and comforting cheese flavor that brings the whole dish together. I love this recipe because it’s simple and straightforward, yet the result is a dish that feels special and tastes amazing. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies in, especially if you have picky eaters at home. So, let’s get into the kitchen and start cooking!
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1/2 c. chopped celery
- 2 tsp. margarine
- 1 c. rice (1 pkg. Success rice)
- 1 pkg. frozen cut broccoli
- 1 pkg. frozen broccoli florets
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small jar Cheez Whiz
Baking Instructions
- Saute onion and celery in shortening until soft.
- Cook rice and broccoli separately according to directions.
- Mix all ingredients together in a 2 quart buttered baking dish.
- Bake at 375° for 10 minutes.
- May be prepared in advance and stored in refrigerator before baking.
- Diced cooked chicken breast may be added for variety.
Calorie: 350
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
The Chronicles of the Rice-Broccoli Casserole
The Gathering of the Misfits
So there I was, standing in my kitchen, staring at the motley crew of ingredients sprawled across the countertop. Onion, celery, margarine, rice, broccoli, frozen broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup and, the pièce de résistance, a jar of Cheez Whiz. It was like a foodie version of The Breakfast Club.
The Saute Sauté
First up, the onion and celery. They were tossed into the pan with some margarine in a performance I like to call, “The Saute Sauté”. I watched them sizzle and shimmy until they were soft, all while doing a little shimmy of my own around the kitchen. After all, if you can’t dance while you cook, are you even cooking?
The Rice and Broccoli Tango
While the onion and celery were getting their groove on, I turned my attention to the rice and broccoli. It was a dance of juggling two pots on the stove – one for the rice, and one for the broccoli. Both packages had their own set of instructions, making me feel like I was trying to follow a pair of squabbling GPS directions. By the time they were done, I was ready to name my next pet “Success Rice”.
The Mashup
Once everyone had calmed down and cooled off a bit, it was time to mix everything together. This was like herding cats, but with food. Into a 2-quart buttered baking dish they all went, squishing and squelching as they made room for each other. It was like watching a game of Tetris, if Tetris was made of soup and vegetables.
Taking the Heat
With everyone happily nestled in the baking dish, it was time to crank up the heat. Into the oven it went, set at a toasty 375°. As it baked for 10 minutes, I had just enough time to do a quick cha-cha around the kitchen and ponder the comedic value of a jar of Cheez Whiz.
The Chill Before the Storm
The best part about this dish is that it can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. It’s like a ticking flavor bomb, just waiting for its moment to explode. And if you want to add a little extra ‘oomph’, diced cooked chicken breast can be thrown into the mix. Because who doesn’t like a surprise chicken guest at their vegetable party?
The Grand Unveiling
After the waiting, the dancing, and the wondering if I’d ever look at Cheez Whiz the same way again, it was time. The oven timer buzzed, the suspense was thick, and I, clad in my apron and oven mitts, was ready. I pulled the dish from the oven and there it was: The Rice-Broccoli Casserole. It was a beautiful mess of culinary chaos, and it was all mine.
So, if anyone ever tells you cooking isn’t fun, just remember: You can dance, you can jive, and you can make a wicked Rice-Broccoli Casserole. I’m off to enjoy my creation, folks. Bon appétit!
