One of the best ways to use up items sitting in your refrigerator is to make a casserole. Now, I have family members who snub their noses at casserole, but honey please, I don’t have any time for nonsense like that in my house. No, I am not a harsh “you eat, what you get” kinda cook; I put love in there and I would be upset if someone didn’t like my food, so if I am visiting them or vice versa, I don’t try to force casserole down their throats (though I do believe they would like it, if they tried it) but like a good southern girl, I keep my thoughts and opinions to myself. However, some days I thank the good Lord that I married a man who understands and relishes the virtues of a well prepared casserole full of luscious cheesy goodness.
For any casserole, you can substitute pretty much any vegetable and meat that you would like. And of course, if you are vegetarian, meat isn’t needed. This week, I had chicken and broccoli and lots of peppers, so that is what I put in my casserole. Next time, I am sure it will be a completely different montage. Get creative with it, put what you love in there and I bet you will discover that casserole is delicious.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
½ cup green pepper, diced
1 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
4 tbsp butter, divided
2 tbsp flour
2 1/2 cup milk
3 cups cheese, ( I used a mixture of mozzarella, provolone, cheddar and Monterrey jack)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
8 oz. cooked noodles, (I used campanelli, but penne or macaroni will work)
1 head of broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
4 tbsp bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large saucepan, sauté onions, bell pepper and celery in 2 tbsp butter for about 5 minutes. Lower heat and add flour. Cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, bring to a boil and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and the flour has cooked out, about 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in 2 cups cheese and cook until the cheese has melted. Season with salt , pepper and garlic. Stir until bubbly. Add chicken, broccoli and the noodles. Stir to incorporate. Pour into a 9×13 pan. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese and breadcrumbs over the mixture. Bake at 350 F for 30-35 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes and enjoy!
creative noshing 
You were not playing around with that cheese, girl. This cass is serious! I like that you used butter, flour & milk instead of cream of some kinda soup. I am with you on the leftovers– I make sure we don’t waste a thing! This is one of my fave leftover dishes…
http://sugardishme.com/2011/11/15/because-i-could/
Heehee, I love cheese. Its my kryptonite. I have made them with cream soup, but My husband likes this better and I don’t mind putting in a little extra effort.
Me too … love cheese – only bad thing we cheese is that it contains so much salt. Before my treatments I where stuffing myself with cheese everyday. During the treatments I couldn’t eat it at all, because it was too salty for me, so it has helped me to cut down. Cheese is the only product I will struggle to be without. I’m sure this tasted so good as it looks. Did a cheese soup many years ago .. have to find that recipe. You would love it. Baked more beer bread by the way. *smile
Mmmm- cheese soup sounds delicious! I would love it. So glad you are enjoying the beer bread,
Only bread I eat – I divide it in half – then into a plastic bag and the next day I cut it longways for my breakfast sandwich. Will try to find my soup recipe.
Om nom nom. I’m pinning and printing this and replacing cow cheese with goat cheese. I’m lactose intolerant and have become very good at substitution over the years :)
Goat cheese would be divine! Sounds wonderful.
Just had a fantastic broccoli casserole the other day and was moved to think: why don’t I make this delicious stuff more often myself!!!! Thanks for further motivation. :)
I love broccoli with cheese and noodles. Not much better.
Should the broccoli be cooked before put into the mixture, or does it cook in the oven during the 30 min bake? First time casserole maker, want to make sure I do it right the first time.
You do not have to cook the broccoli before you bake the mixture. It will cook down during the baking time. Thanks for stopping by.
Reblogged this on creative noshing and commented:
This recipe is one of my favorites. I love a good casserole and this one is an excellent one. Enjoy!