Burger and Broccoli Casserole

Casseroles are one of the easiest, healthiest and most frugal dinner options. They are a great way to stretch meat while still serving a hearty and tasty meal. While casseroles come in all shapes and sizes, here is one of my personal favorites:

Burger and Broccoli Casserole

• 1-1/2 c. rice
• 1/2 lb. hamburger
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 c. broccoli, frozen or fresh
• 2 T. butter
• 1-1/2 T. flour
• 1-1/2 c. milk
• 2 c. cheddar cheese

1. Cook rice per package instructions. In a skillet, cook hamburger and onion until hamburger is browned and onion is tender.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour then immediately whisk in milk. Continue stirring and cooking over medium heat until slightly thickened. Pour over rice then add broccoli and mix together.
3. Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Spread hamburger and onion on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half the cheese over the hamburger. Pour rice and broccoli mixture over the top. Sprinkle with remainder of the cheese.
4. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned. Serve.

This recipe is an easy meal to freeze, especially in serving-sized portions. To make it even more frugal, try stretching the hamburger with lentils or omit the burger all together and use only lentils.

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Also check out Everyday Tastes and Nifty Thrifty Things for more great recipes.