Better than Rice-a-Roni Broccoli Cheddar Rice

For many years I made rice from Rice-a-Roni packets with the seasonings included, I am not saying that I don't ever make them or that they don't serve a purpose but this recipe is better and doesn't have all the weird ingredients.  This rice dish is an excellent way to get the kiddos to eat some veggies.  Feel free to put more broccoli if you would like!  

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Orzo
• 1 Cup Rice
• 1 Cup Broccoli- Chopped Small
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Cups of Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 Tablespoons Butter

In a sauce pan combine orzo, rice, and olive oil.  Toast rice over med-high heat for about 3 minutes.  Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.  When it starts to boil reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the broccoli, cover, and cook for additional 3 minutes.  This cooks the broccoli.  Add cheese and butter- stir.  Cover and let sit for a couple minutes while butter and cheese melt.  Stir and salt and pepper to taste.

I served this with Red Hot Chicken Kabobs

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Better than Rice-a-Roni (and healthier) Rice Pilaf

I try to incorporate whole grains as much as possible in our house, and that means whole wheat pasta and brown rice. But I love the boxed rice flavors. So I experimented and came up with a great alternative to the preservative loaded box stuff. It's only half whole grain because I couldn't find whole wheat orzo, but it is made with brown rice instead of white, so it's a healthier alternative.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Heat oil in pan and add rice, orzo and onion.
2. Cook on medium heat until mixture is golden brown.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until tender.

Easy peaty and much better for you (especially if you have a  corn or yeast allergy- you can't use the boxed stuff).

This recipe was featured in Two Magical Moms March Menu Madness and our 30 Days of Dinners June Menu. Make sure to check out all of the other great recipes on these menus!