cheesy broccoli and rice casserole

By beandip

Ingredients

• 4 cups leftover cooked rice
• 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 slices bacon, diced
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the rice in a baking dish and set aside.

Combine the broccoli and 1/4 cup water in a microwave safe bowl, cover and microwave for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain broccoli and set aside. Alternately, you could use those package ready broccoli florets that can be microwaved and steamed in the packaging.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and bacon, cooking until they begin to brown. Stir in flour and cook until thoroughly incorporated. Whisk in broth and cream, simmering until thickened. Add the mustard, cheese and the broccoli into the sauce in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer this broccoli cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and pour over the rice.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to warm through and enjoy