Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite family meal: the Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Casserole! This easy-to-make dish combines the comforting warmth of a traditional casserole with the convenience of a one-pan recipe. It’s packed with vibrant, nutritious broccoli and gooey, melted cheese, making it not only a delicious choice but also a healthy one.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying side dish for your next family gathering, this casserole ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, or grains, ensuring it pleases even the pickiest eaters at your table. Minimal prep and clean-up mean you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones.
Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking! Your family is going to love this cheesy, broccoli-filled delight!
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (for topping)
Instructions
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- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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- Blanch the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
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- Combine Ingredients: In the skillet with the onions and garlic, add the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese is starting to melt.
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- Prepare for Baking: Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet or transfer it to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
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- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers evenly over the top of the casserole mixture for a crunchy finish.
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- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
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- Serve Up: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness with your family!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, these provide the main veggie component and a nutritious boost.
- Long-Grain White Rice: The base of the casserole, adding texture and heartiness.
- Cheddar Cheese: A must-have for that rich, cheesy flavor. Use sharp or mild according to preference.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor, but feel free to use a homemade version if preferred.
- Milk: To help create a creamy consistency and blend all ingredients together.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: For cooking the rice and infusing the casserole with flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle kick and enhances the overall taste.
- Onion Powder: For depth; can be substituted with chopped fresh onion if desired.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Topping Options: Such as breadcrumbs or additional cheese for that crispy topping, if desired.
Feel free to customize the cheese or add proteins like cooked chicken for a heartier meal!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and thoroughly.
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Prepare the Skillet: On the stovetop, heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can prepare the mixture in a regular skillet and transfer it to a baking dish later.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in 1 diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
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Add the Broccoli: Stir in 4 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften slightly. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed and drained before adding.
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Combine with Rice: Add in 2 cups of cooked rice (white or brown) to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the broccoli and aromatics. It’s a great way to use leftover rice!
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Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of sour cream until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for added flavor. Pour this cheesy mixture over the rice and broccoli, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
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Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle an additional 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
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Bake the Casserole: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven (or pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish if you’re using a non-oven-safe skillet). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
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Let It Rest: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cheesy broccoli casserole warm as a comforting main dish or a delightful side. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired, and watch it disappear at the dinner table!
Serving Suggestions
This Family-Friendly Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to round out your meal:
- Protein Pairings:
- Grilled Chicken: Marinate and grill some chicken breasts for a healthy, satisfying addition.
- Baked Salmon: The rich flavor of salmon complements the cheesy broccoli perfectly.
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Sausage: Cook up some Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a savory contrast.
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Salads:
- Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together fresh greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
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Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a nice textural contrast to the casserole.
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Bread Options:
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a delicious option to scoop up the casserole.
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Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls can help soak up any extra cheese sauce left on the plate.
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Vegetable Sides:
- Steamed Green Beans: Simply steamed green beans add a nice crunch and are easy to prepare.
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Roasted Carrots or Brussels Sprouts: The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables pairs beautifully with the casserole’s flavors.
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Dips and Sauces:
- Ranch Dressing: Serve a side of ranch for those who enjoy a creamy dip with their veggies.
- Hot Sauce: A little kick of hot sauce can elevate the dish for those who like some heat.
This casserole is hearty enough to be a main dish, but these suggestions can help create a well-rounded dinner that the whole family will love! Enjoy your meal!
Conclusion
In just a short time, you’ve transformed basic ingredients into a comforting and delicious Family-Friendly Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Casserole that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. This dish not only packs a punch with its gooey cheese and vibrant broccoli but also offers a good dose of nutrition that’s hard to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal for gatherings, this casserole brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite proteins or other vegetables to make it even more customizable. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your home, and we’d love to hear your variations. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy cozy moments that this delightful dish brings to your table! Happy cooking!
