Broccoli, Cheddar and Wild Rice Casserole
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Prep Time
Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time
Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(300)
Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- Salt
- 2/3 cup uncooked wild rice blend, rinsed
- 1 pound broccoli
- 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard powder or 1/2 teaspoon smooth Dijon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
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Preparation
Step 1
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2
Once melted, add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Add rice to onion and cook for 1 minute, then add 1 1/3 cups water and a few pinches of salt.
Step 4
Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to lowest temperature and cook with the lid on for about 50 minutes.
Step 5
Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Step 6
Peel broccoli stems and dice them into large chunks. Cut florets into 1-inch pieces.
Step 7
Cook in boiling, well-salted water for 2 to 3 minutes, then drain.
Step 8
Use the same pan to make the cheese sauce: Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in pan over medium heat.
Step 9
Add the mustard powder (if using), a pinch of cayenne and garlic and let sizzle for 1 minute.
Step 10
Add flour and whisk until combined, cooking the butter-flour mixture for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 11
Slowly drizzle in milk, whisking constantly, then broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 12
Remove pan from heat and stir in 1/3 of grated cheese until melted.
Step 13
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 14
Combine cooked wild rice blend and broccoli in a 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch oven-safe skillet.
Step 15
Pour cheese sauce over and gently nudge to ensure all pieces get some sauce.
Step 16
Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.
Step 17
Bake casserole for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly, then run mixture under the broiler until cheese is toasty on top.
Step 18
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Chef's notes
Great for a family dinner or holiday side dish.
You can substitute Dijon mustard for ground mustard powder if preferred.
