Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with Velveeta
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole featuring Velveeta cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty vegetarian main course, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. With flavors that meld beautifully and a satisfyingly cheesy texture, this dish is an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your meals. Share it at potlucks or enjoy it as a family dinner for a delicious, nutritious meal any time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
small onion, chopped
1 (chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (none)
skim milk
1/2 cup (none)
Velveeta cheese
8 ounces (sliced and cubed)
instant rice
1 cup (none)
chopped broccoli
1 (10 ounce) package (cooked according to package directions)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion, cream of chicken soup, skim milk, and Velveeta cheese. Stir the mixture well until the cheese begins to melt and everything is evenly mixed.
4
Add the instant rice to the cheese mixture, ensuring that the rice is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
5
Prepare the broccoli according to the package instructions (either steam or microwave) until just tender. Drain if necessary.
6
Fold the cooked broccoli into the cheese and rice mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
7
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8
For an extra cheesy top, arrange slices of Velveeta cheese on the surface.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole with Velveeta?
It is a creamy and comforting side dish or vegetarian main course featuring Velveeta cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy instant rice.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How do I prepare the onion for this recipe?
Chop one small onion and sauté it in 2 tablespoons of melted butter over medium heat until it is translucent and soft, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
What kind of soup is required?
The recipe calls for one 10.5-ounce can of reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of skim milk, you can likely substitute other milk types, though it may change the calorie content.
How much Velveeta cheese is used in the mixture?
You will need 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese, sliced and cubed, for the main mixture.
What type of rice is best for this casserole?
This recipe specifically uses 1 cup of instant rice to ensure it cooks properly within the baking time.
How should I prepare the broccoli?
Use one 10-ounce package of chopped broccoli and cook it according to the package directions (steam or microwave) until just tender before adding it to the mix.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The description suggests it as a vegetarian main course, but since it uses cream of chicken soup, strict vegetarians should substitute it with cream of mushroom or celery soup.
How do I ensure the cheese is fully integrated?
Stir the sautéed onion, soup, milk, and Velveeta in a large mixing bowl until the cheese begins to melt and the mixture is evenly combined.
Should the rice be cooked before adding it to the cheese mixture?
No, you add the dry instant rice directly to the liquid cheese and soup mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure even spreading.
How can I make the top extra cheesy?
Arrange additional slices of Velveeta cheese on the surface of the casserole before putting it in the oven.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
It is done when the mixture is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is excellent for potlucks or as a family dinner, serving as either a side or a hearty main.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of a frozen package?
Yes, you can use fresh chopped broccoli as long as you steam it until tender before folding it into the rice mixture.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, the broccoli and onion provide dietary fiber, making it a nutritious way to eat more vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: onion, butter, cream of chicken soup, skim milk, Velveeta, instant rice, and broccoli.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish has a satisfyingly cheesy, creamy texture with fluffy rice and tender broccoli.
Can I add protein to this casserole?
While not in the original recipe, cooked shredded chicken or ham would pair very well with the Velveeta and broccoli flavors.
What if my cheese isn't melting in the bowl?
Ensure the sautéed onions and butter are hot when added to the bowl, or briefly microwave the soup and cheese mixture to help it combine.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its warm, cheesy, and creamy profile.
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture and keep it refrigerated, then bake it when ready, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of instant?
If using regular rice, it must be fully cooked before being added to the mixture, as it will not soften enough during the 30-minute bake time.
Is the onion necessary?
The onion provides essential flavor depth to the sauce, but it can be omitted or replaced with onion powder if preferred.
Can I use a different cheese besides Velveeta?
Velveeta is used for its specific melting properties, but you can try a sharp cheddar processed cheese for a similar result.
How do I reheat this casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is specifically described as a dish that is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd at potlucks.