Broccoli Casserole is a nostalgic favorite in American households, particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions. Popularized in the 1950s and 60s during the rise of convenience cooking, this dish combines pantry staples like canned soup and instant rice to create a creamy, satisfying meal. The addition of Cheez Whiz, a product launched in 1953, gives the casserole a uniquely rich flavor. Often served at potlucks and family gatherings, it symbolizes the era’s love for hearty, one-dish meals that are quick to prepare and comforting to eat. It remains a cherished classic that continues to bring families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup instant rice (cooked)
- 1 pkg frozen broccoli (cooked, chopped finely)
- 1 jar Cheez Whiz (small)
- 1 can mushroom soup
- ½ cup celery
- ½ cup onions (for sautéing)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook and Prepare Ingredients
- Cook 1 cup instant rice according to package instructions.
- Cook the frozen broccoli until tender.
- Chop the onion and celery.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Sauté ½ cup chopped celery and ½ cup chopped onion in a small amount of butter or oil until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Combine the Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, chopped raw onion, sautéed celery and onion, Cheez Whiz, and mushroom soup.
- Stir everything together while the mixture is still hot to blend the Cheez Whiz smoothly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F to 350°F for about 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
Tips
- Substitute fresh broccoli for frozen for extra texture.
- Add shredded chicken for a protein-rich main dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a different flavor.
- Make it vegetarian by ensuring the soup and cheese are meat-free.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Broccoli Casserole 1 Cup instant rice - (cooked) 1 pkg. frozen broccoli cooked & chopped finely. 1 jar Cheese Whiz (small) 1 Can mushroom Soup 1/2 Cup Celery, Sauted with 1/2 Cup onions until tender. Mix all together while hot and put in Casserole. Heat until bubbles. Cook 325° or 350°
From Transcription to Instructions
The original directions are that spare note that lists cooked instant rice, frozen broccoli, Cheez Whiz, mushroom soup and sautéed celery/onion with a single line to “mix all together while hot” and “heat until bubbles” at 325°–350°. We broke that quick note into smaller steps in the instructions so you can follow along: cook the rice and broccoli, sauté the celery and onion, stir everything together while still hot so the Cheez Whiz smooths in, then bake (about 30–35 minutes at 325–350°F) until bubbly.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 8gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 730mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1mg
