4.9 from 129 votes
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Bursting with cheesy flavor and loaded with pasta, broccoli, and ham, this hearty casserole satisfies the hungriest of appetites.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 439 kcal
Course:
Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 cups medium pasta uncooked
- 8 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half or light cream
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups diced ham or cooked chicken, optional
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente, adding broccoli for the last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain very well and set aside.
- While pasta is boiling, cook onion and garlic in butter in a frying pan over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, combine broth, half and half, cornstarch, and basil. Add the onions and mix well. Bring to a simmer over medium heat while whisking until it comes to a boil and thickens.
- Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in ham, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Combine the pasta, broccoli, and ham and spread into the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and bake 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Optional Topping - Stir 2 tablespoons of melted butter into 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the casserole and bake as directed.
- To make ahead: Cook everything as directed except the pasta and store in the refrigerator up to two days. Then combine with cooked pasta, top with cheese and bake, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftovers: Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1.5cups
Calories
439
(22%)
Carbohydrates
32g
(11%)
Protein
25g
(50%)
Fat
25g
(38%)
Saturated Fat
13g
(65%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
86mg
(29%)
Sodium
1051mg
(44%)
Potassium
554mg
(16%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1427IU
(29%)
Vitamin C
110mg
(122%)
Calcium
430mg
(43%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 439
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1.5cups | |
| Calories | 439 | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 86mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 1051mg | 44% |
| Potassium | 554mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1427IU | 29% |
| Vitamin C | 110mg | 122% |
| Calcium | 430mg | 43% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.