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

Follow the Magical Moms on Facebook and Pinterest for weekly menu ideas, crafts, and Disney Magic.  

1. 
   

Parmesan Pilaf

I have made Sherrie's Better than Rice-A-Roni (and healthier) Rice Pilaf many times.  I had no idea I could make a rice dish so yummy with so few ingredients.  I have been experimenting lately with her recipe to come up with a few variations.  So far this one is our favorite.  It adds just a few more ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Orzo
• 1 Cup Long Grain Brown Rice 
• 1/2 teaspoon Minced Garlic (smashed)
• 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 1 Cup of Parmesan Cheese
• 2 Cups of Chicken Broth
• 1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Onion
• 1/8 teaspoon of Salt 
• 1/8 teaspoon of White Pepper

Serves about 5

Heat oil in sauce pan.  Add onion and garlic- lightly saute.

 Add in orzo and rice.  Cook over medium heat until mixture is golden brown.  Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender.  Remove from heat add salt, pepper, and cheese.  

I served with Pretzel Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken and Cheddar Broccoli Bites.

This recipe was featured on our 30 Days of Dinners June Menu, Make sure to check out all of the other great recipes on this month's menu!

This recipe was featured on the Magical Moms' July Menu.  Be sure to check out all of our monthly menus


Lots of AMAZING recipes on the Magical Moms' June Menu, Marvelous May Menu, Appetizing April Menu, and March Madness Menu.