Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Yes, it has been way too long since either Sean or I have posted. Many apologies for this, as there were many things that took up time, but now, I am determined to get back into the swing of things. And to start it off right, I'd like to introduce one of our favorite recipes, Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Originally my mom's recipe, I've made a few changes to make it healthier and give it more flavor.

Required Ingredients - The "must-haves" for this recipe.

1 16oz bag of frozen chopped broccoli, thawed

1 cup of instant rice (either white or brown rice works, as long as it's instant!)

1 8oz block of 2% Velveeta processed cheese, cut into many cubes

1 tsp minced garlic

1 can of Campbell's Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup (or any other low sodium Cream of Mushroom Soup)

1 can of skim milk (use the leftover soup can to measure - it also helps to remove any remaining soup from the can)

1/2 stick (or 1/4 cup or 4 tbsp) of butter or margarine, melted (I prefer the Smart Balance 50/50 Butter Blend)

Optional Ingredients - If you want to change it up a bit.

1 finely chopped Jalapeño pepper

2 tsp cumin (or more - depending on how much you like spice)

1 cup diced cooked chicken breasts

-or-

1 cup diced cooked ham

Preheat over to 350 degrees. In a casserole dish (at least 2 1/2 quart size), combine the first six ingredients, and any optional ingredients. Mix these ingredients, so they will be evenly spread throughout.

Then, pour the melted butter or margarine over the mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, stir, and bake another 30 minutes. The final result will be brown and bubbly.

Let sit a few minutes before serving. This makes a great side dish that we often take to cookouts and potlucks. Everyone loves it and there are never any leftovers to bring home. When I do make it for just us, it is something Sean usually eats too much of in one sitting, which impresses me, since it's usually difficult to get him to eat any vegetable I make that's not in soup form.

Though I often use it as a side dish, the addition of diced chicken or ham also turns it into a meal on its own, great to eat with a salad. Adding spices can change the flavor a little bit, but also make it taste like something new, so I encourage you to try this, and then try it with other seasonings to make it your own.