Broccoli Rice Casserole


Michigan-grown broccoli is available July through October. Broccoli chosen for freezing is processed at its peak ripeness, a time when it is most nutrient packed and most delicious. Frozen broccoli may be even more healthful than some of the fresh produce sold in grocery stores since the product will degrade over time. Americans typically eat only one-third of the recommended daily intake (three servings instead of nine) of fruits and vegetables due to availability and cost. Preserving broccoli and other fruits and vegetables by freezing them when they are at their nutritional peak allows people to use them throughout the year.


Graphic created about broccoli facts.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 60 Minutes

Number of Servings: 8


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups rice
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 ½ cups water
  • 1 onion (medium, chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons margarine (or butter)
  • One 10 ¾ ounce-can condensed cream of mushroom
  • chicken
  • celery or cheese soup
  • 1 ½ cup milk (1 percent)
  • 20 ounces broccoli
  • cauliflower or mixed vegetables (frozen, chopped)
  • ½ pound cheese (grated or sliced)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F, and grease a 12-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan.
  2. In a saucepan, mix rice, salt to taste and 3 cups of water, and bring to a boil.
  3. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and set aside for an additional 15 minutes.
  4. Sauté onion in margarine (or butter) until tender.
  5. Mix soup, milk, 1/2 cup of water, onions and rice. Spoon mixture into baking pan.
  6. Thaw and drain the vegetables and then spread over the rice mixture.
  7. Spread the cheese evenly over the top and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted and rice and soup mixture is bubbly.