Description
Discover how to make a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole that will become a family favorite. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 large onion chopped (about 240 g chopped onion)
- 4-5 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) black pepper
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) cheddar cheese divided (grate it off the block; don’t use pre-grated cheese)
- 4 cups (400 g) bite-sized broccoli florets
- 3 cups (540 g) cooked rice
- 3 – 4 cups (360 – 480 g) shredded or chopped cooked beef breast rotisserie works great for a shortcut!
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly shredded alternative cheese
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F for preheating.
- In a big pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium flame. Once heated, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring often until the onion becomes clear and aromatic.
- Introduce the flour and mix until it combines well with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, a little at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure the flour is fully dissolved.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to cover the back of a spoon. Season with kosher salt and black pepper before taking it off the heat.
- Mix in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, then fold in the broccoli florets.
- While the sauce is being prepared, coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Mix the cooked rice and beef in the dish.
- Once the broccoli is incorporated into the sauce, pour the mixture over the rice and beef, stirring to blend everything well.
- Top the casserole with freshly shredded alternative cheese and the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes or until it becomes hot and bubbly.
- Serve right away.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for a smoother sauce consistency.
- Cook the flour in the onion and garlic mixture to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Try a variety of cheeses for the topping to enhance the flavor profile.
