Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with *Broccoli Lovers Casserole II*, a hearty dish that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy goodness and wholesome vegetables. This easy-to-make casserole features tender blanched broccoli florets mixed with fluffy rice, all coated in a luscious homemade cheddar cheese sauce. Topped with a golden layer of buttery panko breadcrumbs and extra cheddar for a satisfying crunch, it’s oven-baked perfection in just 30 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this casserole is a go-to recipe for broccoli enthusiasts and a wonderful way to sneak veggies into a meal. Delightfully rich, hearty, and family-approved, this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite on your table. Perfectly paired with "broccoli casserole recipes," "cheesy casseroles," and "vegetarian comfort food" as your target keywords!
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to evenly coat the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the breadcrumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli Lovers Casserole II!
Serving size | 1661.6 grams (1661.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2269 |
Total Fat 121.80g | 156% |
Saturated Fat 69.50g | 348% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g | |
Cholesterol 350mg | 117% |
Sodium 3241mg | 141% |
Total Carbohydrate 202.30g | 74% |
Dietary Fiber 13.50g | 48% |
Total Sugars 34.70g | |
Protein 102.40g | 205% |
Vitamin D 267IU | 1336% |
Calcium 2464mg | 190% |
Iron 12mg | 65% |
Potassium 1317mg | 28% |
Source of Calories