Cheesy Mushroom and Broccoli Casserole

We eat alot of variations of potatoes at my house - and don't get me wrong - potatoes are awesome, but sometimes I get tired of them.  So I'm always on the lookout for something creative and different to try as a side dish.  This is a dish that combines carbs and veggies into one which makes my life a little easier.  And it is oohhhhh sooooo goooood!  It is also easy to make and doesn't contain canned condensed soup, which ups its stock a few points in my book.  It would also be great with ham or chicken added to make a one-dish meal.  Here's how I did it:

Ingredients:  butter, flour, mushrooms, onions, garlic, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, heavy cream, chicken stock, frozen broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese and instant rice.

Start by preparing the rice according to package directions and thawing the broccoli.  Drain the broccoli and pat dry.  Sorry, no picture : /

Butter a casserole dish.

Melt some butter in a saucepan and add the flour.

Let it bubble for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently.

Until it becomes a roux.  It should be a deep golden color and have the rich, wonderful smell of browned butter.

Meanwhile, chop up some onion and mince some garlic.

Add it to the pot along with the mushrooms.  Season with garlic powder and cayenne pepper.  The double garlic makes it extra flavorful and scrumptious!

Mix in the cream and chicken stock.  Let it cook for a minute or so to thicken the sauce.

Then toss in the broccoli, half of the cheese and the rice.

Mix it all together, season with salt and pepper to taste and turn it out into the casserole dish.  It should be thick, creamy, fragrant and luxurious.  Resist the urge to immediately cram heaping spoonfuls into your mouth.

Top it with the remaining cheese.

And bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.  It will be bubbly, melty, AMAZING.

Serve it alongside a big juicy butterflied pork chop your husband has grilled to a perfect medium well and dig in!  It is creamy, cheesy, comforting, and out of this world!!

Link to the printable recipe:

Cheesy Mushroom and Broccoli Casserole

Source:  Sunny Anderson