Slow Cooker Broccoli, Brown Rice, and Cheddar Casserole

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Nothing but fresh and wholesome ingredients here!

Slow Cooker Broccoli, Brown Rice, and Cheddar Casserole
Instead of canned soups, this slow cooker recipe for brown rice and broccoli casserole uses a quick, homemade creamy mushroom sauce and low fat cheddar cheese. In a unique twist for a casserole recipe, crunchy walnuts are used instead of breadcrumbs for a healthy, flavorful topping. If you want to make this a meal, you can easily add chopped or shredded chicken. This version of Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is made in the slow cooker; you’re guaranteed to love it!

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Slow Cooker Broccoli, Brown Rice, and Cheddar Casserole

This unique casserole contains healthy ingredients and is slow-cooked to perfection.
Yield 6 people
Serving Size 0.5 cup
Course Dinner
Cuisine Universal
Author SkinnyMs.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup mushrooms fresh, finely chopped
  • 1/2 onion small, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded low fat, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice uncooked
  • 1 pound broccoli florets finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup walnuts pieces, optional garnish

Instructions

  • Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter. When melted, add the mushrooms, onion and garlic, and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the flour and cook until browned and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir for one minute and turn off heat. Add half cup of cheese, and stir until melted.
  • Add the uncooked rice to the slow cooker, followed by the broccoli and cheese sauce. Add 2 cups water and stir. Cover and cook over low heat for 6 hours until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove lid and sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, followed by the Parmesan. Cover and cook for 1 more hour before serving. Sprinkle with walnuts pieces, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 232mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 9
Keywords Kid-Friendly, Slow Cooker, Vegetarian

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SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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19 Comments

  1. This looks like a really good recipe. Good, wholesome food. But, I'm sorry, this isn't something I would consider "skinny". The nutrition info is based on a 1/2 cup serving. Who eats a 1/2 cup serving of a casserole??

    1. LOL! Part of being "skinny" is also about portion control. Add a side salad and you have a well balanced meal. When you look at a real serving size of food, versus what people actually eat, it makes sense as to why we are such an overweight society.

    1. Robin, You can omit the mushrooms entirely. They're not necessary for the recipe, however if you want you can add in other vegetables of your choice at the beginning of cook time.

  2. Can you make this in a casserole dish and bake instead of slow cooker? Thinking would be best to cook the rice first, use thawed and drained frozen broccoli (or spinach?), mix all together and bake?

    1. Jennifer, Definitely! Here’s what I recommend: use Uncle Ben’s 10 minute brown rice, and fresh broccoli florets. Once you mix everything together, add milk a little at a time until you determine the right amount. Remember the rice will absorb a lot of the milk. Read the box label to determine how much liquid to use for the specific amount of rice, then add an additional 1/2 cup milk. I think adding whole grain panko or bread crumbs, mixed with a little melted butter and spices, sprinkled on top would be even yummier!

      Keep us posted. 🙂

    1. Sorry you were disappointed, Sarah! If you choose to make this casserole again and change ingredients or add spices, let us know how it turns out!

  3. Bought ingredients for making Broccoli, Brown Rice and Cheddar Cassrtole & ready to make, but alas! the recipe cannot be found! I found only an introductory statement about recipe. The ingredient list & directions are missing! even when I use search engine the recipe is missing!!!
    Not Good!!

    1. We apologize for the missing recipe. It was accidentally removed from the site. We will have it back up shortly.

  4. This recipe is similar to a recipe I currently have using chicken. To zip it up a bit I always add some curry powder. This is much lower in calories as mines uses sour cream and mayo as well as the white sauce.

    I will try the low cal version for a change.

  5. Delicious! Made it all in the skillet! Season it up peeps if too bland. I added small amount of ground beef. Hubby loved it too! Broccoli was just right as well as onions and lots of mushrooms. Used the cheese sparingly. Thank you!

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