Broccoli Rice Casserole

This is my all time favorite thanksgiving side. And I must say, mine is the best I have ever had. I don’t like huge chunks of broccoli so I blend half the broccoli and chop up the other half pretty fine. It makes a huge difference and you can really taste the cheese and rice.

Ingredients:

2 bags frozen broccoli florets

2 cans cream of mushroom

1 can cream of chicken

3 cups white rice (cooked according to package)

1 tbs garlic salt

black pepper to taste

2 cups Velveeta (cubed)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (shred your own, taste way better and also melts better)

1/4 cup whole milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Cook rice according to box directions.

3. Cook broccoli according to the bag directions. Its usually 5 1/2minutes in the microwave (leave in bag) then done. You will have to do it with each bag.

4. Pour cooked rice, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken and garlic salt into a large casserole dish and stir until combined.

5. Once your broccoli is done, take one bag of broccoli and pour onto a cutting board. It will have a little water in it so you may want to drain it first. After it is on a cutting board, start chopping the broccoli into small pieces. Add to the rice mixture and stir. Take the other bag of broccoli and pour into a food processor, pulse until super fine and blended well. Add the blended broccoli to the casserole and stir very well until fully combined.

6. Put the cubed Velveeta and whole milk into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds stir and add back to the microwave. Keep doing this in 30 second intervals until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted Velveeta over the top of the casserole.

7. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the black pepper to the casserole and mixx all of the ingredients together until well incorporated and combined.

8. Cover the casserole dish with foil or a oven safe lid put into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for about 30 more minutes or until the top has turned a golden brown.

9. Let cool for about 15 minutes and scoop out onto your plate next to all your other Thanksgiving sides!