Broccoli Cheese Casserole
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
439 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Description
This casserole starts by boiling pasta and adding broccoli near the end for simultaneous tenderness. Onions and garlic are sautéed in butter, then combined with a mixture of chicken broth, half and half, cornstarch, and basil to form a thickened creamy sauce. Ham, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese are stirred in to melt evenly.
The cooked pasta, broccoli, and ham are mixed with the sauce and transferred to a casserole dish. More shredded cheddar is sprinkled on top for a bubbly, golden finish after baking. The resulting dish balances the softness of the pasta and broccoli with a rich, cheesy sauce and savory ham pieces for flavor complexity.
Ideal as a comforting main or side dish, it serves well for family dinners. Notes suggest adding a buttered bread crumb topping or preparing the mixture ahead, with guidance for proper cooking and storage. The casserole keeps well refrigerated and can be frozen up to a month.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta uncooked, medium size
- 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 basil dried
- 2 cups ham or cooked chicken, optional, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided, shredded sharp
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- black 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.
Notes
- Adding a topping of melted butter, seasoned bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese before baking creates an extra crispy crust.
- This recipe can be prepared up to two days in advance, refrigerated without pasta, then combined and baked later.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to one month.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 439 kcal
% 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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