Healthy Broccoli Cheese Bake

A more nutritious version of the classic casserole, made with mushrooms, peppers, and whole-wheat bread crumbs.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 235 Calories

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• ¼ cup shredded Romano cheese
• 3 cups low-fat (1%) milk, heated
• 7 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed, well drained on paper towel
• 1 cup fresh whole-grain bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into bits

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 2

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper, stirring frequently, until mixture begins to brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 3

Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and milk and bring to a boil, stirring until smooth. Boil, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in cheddar and 2 tablespoons romano. Stir in broccoli and pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Step 4

Toss bread crumbs with remaining 2 tablespoons romano and sprinkle over top. Dot with butter.

Step 5

Bake, uncovered, until crumbs are golden and casserole is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before serving.