Crockpot Broccoli Cheese & Rice Casserole

This is such an easy casserole to make and you don't have to do a lot of cooking. No boiling rice, no steaming the broccoli, no sauteing the vegetables - just throw it all in a crock pot and cook it until done! 

Who has a lot of time Thanksgiving morning to do a whole lot of cooking? I like to use some of my small kitchen appliances to help me make the day easier...so why not cook some traditional Thanksgiving side dishes in unconventional ways?

Here's a traditional side dish found on most Turkey Day tables. I make this from ingredients I usually have stocked in my pantry. This casserole is so creamy and delicious! It always turns out perfect. It is an excellent side dish to compliment chicken, turkey, or fish! Stand back because there will be a stampede for second helpings.

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups UNcooked long grain white rice

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)

1 bag (about 16 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, frozen (Do not thaw)

5 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

1 small onion, peeled and chopped finely (about 1 cup)

1 can (10 ¾ ounces) condensed cream of chicken

1 can (10 ¾ ounces) condensed cream of mushroom Soup

1 can (10 ¾ ounces) condensed cheddar cheese Soup

1 teaspoon ground dry mustard (optional)

1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth (or chicken stock)

You do not have to add salt because the soups are condensed and rather salty. Add additional salt & pepper after cooked if desired.

*Optional ingredients to make this recipe with chicken for a complete meal:

2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - thawed (or chicken tenderloins … I use frozen chicken tenderloins and I don’t thaw them).

Directions:
1. Line a 5-quart crockpot with a crockpot liner or spray generously with vegetable cooking spray and set the temperature to low.

2. In a separate large bowl, stir together all the condensed soups…do not dilute; and then stir in the dry mustard very well.

3. Now it's time to layer the ingredients into the crockpot: FIRST LAYER: Place the rice in the bottom of the slow cooker.

*OPTIONAL:  chicken would be the next layer if making the complete meal  

4. Next layer is the broccoli and carrots; 

5.  Now pour in the entire mixture of soups. DO NOT STIR.

6. The final topmost layer is the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Slowly, pour the broth around the edges of the crockpot; DO NOT STIR!

8. Cover the crockpot with the lid and slow cook on low for 6 hours (Or high for 3 hours) or until the rice (and or chicken) is cooked through.

9. Stir the rice and vegetables before serving.