Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole

Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of broccoli, mushrooms, rice, and cheddar cheese. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

The exact origins of Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole are unknown, but casseroles have been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. This particular recipe likely originated in the mid-20th century when casseroles became a staple in home cooking.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 x 10.5 oz (298 g) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 x 6 oz (170 g) roll pasteurized process cheese food with garlic
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can mushroom stems and pieces
1 x 10 oz (283 g) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
3 cups hot cooked rice
1 x 3 oz (85 g) can french fried onions

How to prepare

In a saucepan, cook the onion in butter until it becomes soft but not browned.
Add the soup and cheese to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the cheese has melted.
Include the mushrooms with their liquid, broccoli, and rice to the saucepan.
Transfer the mixture into a shallow casserole dish and sprinkle French fried onions on top.
Bake the casserole at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it becomes hot and bubbly.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Swiss, for a different flavor.
Substitute brown rice or quinoa for white rice for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before adding it to the casserole.

- You can use fresh mushrooms instead of canned if you prefer.

- Feel free to add cooked chicken or turkey to make this casserole a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the casserole at 350°F (177°C) ensures that it becomes hot and bubbly without overcooking the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen, fresh mushrooms for canned, and butter for margarine in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add the French fried onions right before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chopped chives on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, potassium, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and wheat (French fried onions), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole is a balanced dish that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. With a creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and savory mushrooms, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves turning shades of red and gold, as I rummaged through a musty old cookbook that had been collecting dust on the shelf for years. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and tattered piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe for Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole.

I remember the way the ink had faded with time, the loops and swirls of the handwriting hinting at a bygone era. The recipe itself was simple, yet intriguing. It called for fresh broccoli, earthy mushrooms, fluffy rice, and a decadent cheese sauce that promised to tie it all together in a harmonious symphony of flavors.

I knew immediately that I had stumbled upon something special, a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed and brought to life in my own kitchen. I could almost taste the rich and creamy casserole, the tender broccoli and mushrooms mingling with the cheesy sauce and fluffy rice in a delectable dance of textures and tastes.

Excited by my discovery, I set out to gather the ingredients needed to make the Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole. I visited the local farmer's market, where I selected the plumpest broccoli and the freshest mushrooms I could find. The vendors smiled and chatted with me as they bagged up my purchases, their eyes twinkling with curiosity at the recipe I held in my hand.

Back at home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I chopped the broccoli into bite-sized florets, sliced the mushrooms into tender pieces, and cooked the rice until it was fluffy and fragrant. In a large saucepan, I melted butter and whisked in flour to create a creamy roux, slowly adding milk and cheese until a luscious sauce formed.

As the cheese sauce bubbled and thickened on the stove, I combined the broccoli, mushrooms, and rice in a casserole dish, pouring the sauce over the top and gently stirring everything together. The kitchen filled with the aroma of melting cheese and savory vegetables, a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water in anticipation.

I popped the casserole into the oven, the heat causing the cheese sauce to bubble and brown, creating a golden crust on top of the dish. I watched through the oven door, my heart swelling with pride at the sight of my creation coming to life before my eyes.

When the timer dinged, I pulled the casserole out of the oven, the cheese bubbly and gooey, the broccoli and mushrooms tender and flavorful. I couldn't resist taking a small taste, the flavors exploding on my tongue in a burst of creamy richness and earthy goodness.

I knew then that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. The Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole was a triumph, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a touch of love and care.

As I sat down to enjoy a steaming plate of the casserole, I couldn't help but think of the journey that had led me to this moment. The serendipitous discovery of the recipe, the careful selection of ingredients, the artful preparation of the dish - it was a story of culinary adventure and delight that I would cherish forever.

And so, with a satisfied smile on my face and a full belly, I raised my glass to the humble Broccoli Mushroom Rice Casserole, a dish that had captured my heart and my taste buds in equal measure. Cheers to the magic of cooking, to the joy of sharing meals with loved ones, and to the timeless beauty of a well-loved recipe. May it bring warmth and comfort to all who taste its delicious embrace.