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Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole

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Scooping up a spoonful of Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole this Recipe!

I have a problem. I am trying to trim away about 10 pounds, and I find it impossible because I crave cheese and carbs all the time! There is something so comforting about a big bowl of cheesy pasta, quesadilla, or pizza. Salads do not give me the same satisfaction (however I do feel better in the long run!).

I have never had an issue with weight before because I have always been active, but the older I get the harder it is to stay trim (it's because I don't care as much about my out appearance like I did when I was younger).

But now that I have gained a few extra pounds (and have been eating garbage), I have notice my energy level has dropped. My clothes don't fit right (and they are uncomfortable), and frankly I just don't feel good. So I am going to lose this weight for me.

The solution: Make "skinny" versions of my favorites so I don't feel deprived and binge eat. This Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a DELICIOUS healthy version of the classic Broccoli Cheese Casserole (even Nolan approved it). What makes it skinny? I substitute broth for cream, and cauliflower rice for regular rice. It's a surprisingly easy recipe to make, and it solves my cheesy comfort food cravings!

Steamy scoop of Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole


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Spoonful of Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: The Hungry Waitress
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Description

This Skinny Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a great healthy recipe for when you are craving comfort food!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups raw broccoli florets
  • 1 bag (12 oz) frozen cauliflower rice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken, and room temperature works best)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Optional Crispy Topping:

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup panko
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Steam the fresh broccoli my microwaving it in a large bowl for 3 minutes. (If you like your broccoli more well done try 5 minutes, but it does continue to cook in the oven later on in the recipe.)
  3. Pour 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the frozen cauliflower rice to the skillet and saute until thawed (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Once the cauliflower rice has thawed, sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper into the skillet and stir until the flour has absorbed all of the oil (it should look lumpy).
  5. Stirring continuously, pour in the 2 cups of broth and 1/4 cup of milk. Keep stirring until the mixture reach a simmer and thickens to resemble a gravy (7-8 minutes).
  6. Turn the heat off, and add 2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Parmesan. Stir until the cheese has melted, then add the steamed broccoli florets.
  7. Mix everything together and pour into an oven safe casserole dish.
  8. Optional: Mix together 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs, and 1 Tablespoon Parsley. Sprinkle on top of the cheesy broccoli mixture.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes and enjoy!

Notes

Creative Additions: Feel free to add shredded chicken to make for the meat eaters in your life! Another idea is to play around with the types of cheese you use. I think Swiss cheese would be delicious! Also, don't be afraid to add more vegetables! Zucchini and squash would be amazing in this recipe. Or add some cooked diced or shredded potatoes!?Yum!

Need more healthy dinner ideas? Check out these options:

Healthy Taco Bowls

Close up of this Healthy Taco Bowl is Paleo and Whole30 approved

Simple Cajun Salmon

Simple Cajun Salmon is a easy affordable weeknight dinner. | The Hungry Waitress

Super Food Stir Fry Vegetables

Super Food Stir Fry Vegetables is an easy weeknight recipe that only take 30 minute! | The Hungry Waitress

More 30 Minute Meals

  • Cajun Salmon
  • Greek Buddha Bowl
  • Creamy Mushroom Chicken
  • Spicy Salmon Roll Bowl

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Belle

    June 07, 2020 at 9:02 am

    Great recipe! Love the options. Good for using up scraps of cheese in the frig.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. Anonymous

    July 28, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    I am rating this recipe a 5 star bc it is so yummy! I will definitely make this again and again however, I will use garlic powder instead of garlic salt and a little less table salt. If you are a salt lover- leave it as is! But if you're like me and tend to not eat a lot of salt or if you need to stay away from it for health reason- you'll definitely want to cut out some of it. Otherwise, this is an amazing dish! Love it!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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