Broccoli Bake to DIE for!

This is by FAR one of my new favorite recipes. When my husband asked for his grandmas classic 'broccoli rice chicken and cheese thing', I decided there was no reason this obvious comfort food couldn't be veggie friendly! After picking through several bland sounding recipes, this concoction was born. I must warn you, after you make this once, if will be a weekly event :)


Vegetarian Broccoli and Cheese Bake

• At least 20 oz frozen chopped broccoli
• 3 cups instant rice
• 2 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 (16 ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil if you prefer...
• 1 bunch celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Cook broccoli and rice according to package directions
3. Melt butter (or drizzle with olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and saute celery and onion until tender crisp
4. In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk cream of mushroom soup and 1 1/4 cups water. Gradually whisk in cheese until melted into a smooth sauce. Be careful not to let the cheese settle and burn on the bottom
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, rice, soup and cheese mixture, celery and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until bubbly and lightly brown
7. Top that bad boy with more cheese, put back in the oven and let it melt.
8. Try and let it cool a bit and then DIG IN

Ill be the first to admit, this dish doesnt look like a whole lot, but trust me, your tastebuds will thank me :)

<3 j