Not your mama’s Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole

Broccoli, Cheddar, and Rice Casserole used to be the only way you were going to get me to eat a single piece of broccoli. They served the cheesy delight at this restaurant called The Black Eyed Pea. Do y’all remember that restaurant? They have all but closed down here in Texas but they used to serve good ol’ southern food. This casserole was offered as a side dish and was made with cream-of-something soup, heavy cream, and only a few pieces broccoli. My recipe uses whole food ingredients, is just as simple to make, and is done in no time!

Simple, Savory Side Dish

Thankfully, my taste buds have grown up a bit, as have my skills in the kitchen.

This is my take on the comfort food classic: White Cheddar, Broccoli and Brown rice Casserole Made on the Stove Top. I have been mulling over the recipe title for a week now and am yet to come up with something catchy. (Taking any and all suggestions)

According to the internet, this is NOT a casserole.

Well, this stovetop rice dish will knock your family’s socks off!

I have gotten in the habit of cooking a pot of brown rice at the beginning of each week as part of my meal prep. This recipe uses leftover rice. If you don’t have rice sitting around, you will need to add about 30 minutes to your prep time.

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Stovetop Broccoli, Cheddar and Rice Skillet

Prep 15 mins

Cook 20 mins

Total 35 mins

Author Marissa Allen

Yield 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 C Cooked Brown rice
• 3 C broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 C Milk
• 1/2 C Grated parmesan, grated or shredded
• 1 C White Cheddar, shredded
• 1/2 a Yellow Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee
• 2 tbsp C flour
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp parsley
• salt
• pepper

Instructions

1. Saute chopped onions and garlic in butter till fragrant. About 4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with flour to create a roux. Stir continuously till coated well.
3. Turn heat down to medium-low and stir in milk.
4. In increments, add parmesan and white cheddar. Stir till fully melted.
5. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and salt and pepper. Taste your cheese sauce! Add more seasoning if necessary.
6. Gently stir in the steamed broccoli followed by the cooked rice.
7. Add fresh parmesan (optional) and serve while hot!

Notes

If the cheese sauce is too thick, just add more milk. If too loose, turn up the heat slightly and add more cheese.Make sure not to overcook your rice or broccoli. You don’t want the broccoli to fall apart in the sauce nor the rice to be gummy.Try adding a tsp or 2 of pesto for a change of flavor!