Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole: Thanksgiving Favorite

Broccoli and Cheesy Rice Casserole

Photo byDebbie Miller

This recipe is a family favorite on our Thanksgiving table. The recipe was given to me years ago by a friend that I worked with. I have made it one of my "go-to" recipes for a lot of things, but especially Thanksgiving.

1 cup chopped celery

1 medium onion chopped

2 cups of instant rice, prepared as directed

2 small packages of broccoli florets

1 jar cheese whiz

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 stick of butter

1 sleeve Ritz crackers. crumbled (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking dish (or a foil pan) with cooking spray. Saute the celery and onions in butter until tender. Mix the cheese whiz with the cream of mushroom soup, add in the onions and celery. Add in the prepared rice, a little at a time until well mixed. Stir in the broccoli florets. Pour everything into the prepared dish/pan and bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

**If your using the crushed Ritz crackers, after 30 minutes in the oven, top with the crushed crackers and a small amount of melted butter and place back into the oven for additional 10 to 15 minutes.