By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 11, 2023 | Last Updated on October 23, 2023
Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin is a classic dish that combines the comforting flavors of creamy condensed cream of mushroom soup and cheesy rice. It’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
With this simple instruction from Uncle Ben, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time! It’s not only delicious and comforting, but it’s also quite healthy.
So whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this is sure to be a hit. Read on to learn how to make this delicious dish, what ingredients you’ll need, and tips for making it even more flavorful.
What is Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin is a classic Chinese restaurant dish. It’s the perfect comfort food for any day or occasion. The dish was popularized by Uncle Ben, an iconic figure in Chinese culture who ran a successful restaurant chain from the 1940s to 1960s.
He was known for his delicious and innovative Chinese-American dishes, with Broccoli Rice Au Gratin being among the most popular. This dish became a staple on the menu of many Chinese restaurants around the world, solidifying its place in history.
Today, Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin can be found in many forms from boxed mixes to frozen dinners. But nothing compares to the homemade version that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor.
What does it taste like?
Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin has a creamy, cheesy flavor with a hint of spice. The texture is smooth and comforting as the rice absorbs all the flavors of the sauce.
It’s a hearty and filling dish that will satisfy any appetite. The creaminess comes from the condensed cream of mushroom soup while the cheese adds richness and indulgence.
The broccoli and red peppers provide a subtle crunch that complements the creamy texture of the rice. This dish has it all – flavor, texture, and nutrients!
How did I first get introduced to Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
I first got introduced to Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin when I visited a Chinese restaurant named after him. I had heard about the eatery from some friends who were raving about its amazing dishes, so I decided to go and check it out for myself.
When I arrived, the place was bustling with activity and smelled of delicious aromas. When I looked at the menu, I saw that Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin was one of the most popular dishes on offer.
I decided to give it a try and when my dish arrived, I could immediately tell why it had become so popular. The creamy sauce was incredibly flavorful while the texture of the rice was satisfying and comforting. The combination of broccoli and red peppers added a delightful crunch.
I was immediately hooked and found myself craving this dish on a regular basis. Since then, I’ve tried my hand at making Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin at home and it has become one of my go-to meals when I’m looking for something that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin is a classic dish filled with flavor and texture. It has become a favorite of mine that I can’t get enough of. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy to make or something special to impress your guests, this dish is sure to hit the spot!
How to make Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
Making Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin is easy and doesn’t take too much time. All you need are a few simple ingredients and you can have this delicious dish on the table in no time! Follow these three simple steps to make your own tasty version of this classic dish.
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Ingredients
- Broccoli florets: This is the main ingredient in this dish, and it’s important to choose fresh and high-quality broccoli for the best flavor. You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available, just make sure to thaw it before cooking.
- Water: Used to cook the rice.
- Butter or margarine: This adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: This is the main ingredient in Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin. It gives the dish its classic texture and flavor.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Used as a base for the sauce in the recipe.
- Pepper: A small amount of pepper is added for a little bit of spice.
- Poultry seasoning: This is added to give the dish an extra bit of flavor.
- Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the recipe and helps bring all the flavors together.
- Salt: Salt is used for flavor and to help balance out the flavors of the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Cook the Rice
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rice, water, butter, or margarine and pepper.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, add broccoli florets. Combine them with a fork and set aside.
Step 2
Make the Sauce
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, poultry seasoning, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 3
Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Grease a 9” x 13” baking dish with butter or margarine.
- Spread the broccoli rice mixture in an even layer in the baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the top of the rice and spread evenly using a spoon or spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- For a healthier version of this dish, try using whole-grain rice instead of white rice.
- Try adding some shredded cheese to the top of the dish before baking for extra richness and flavor.
- If you don’t have condensed cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can substitute it with 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk, 1/4 cup butter or margarine, and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- If you want to make this dish even more flavorful, try adding some fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish some extra spice!
Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin Recipe
Equipment
- baking dish
- Pot etc
Ingredients
- 30 ounces Broccoli florets bite sized pieces
- 1 Cup Uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 Cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Poultry seasoning
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 Ounces Condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 5 Cups Water
- 1/2 tbsp Unsalted butter
Instructions
Cook the Rice:
- Start off by bringing a pot to a boil with your chosen ingredients – rice, water, butter or margarine and pepper.
- Reduce the heat once it’s boiling and cover the pot, simmering for around 15 minutes until all of the liquid is absorbed and the rice grains become tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, add broccoli florets. Combine them with a fork and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In a separate pot, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, poultry seasoning and salt; stirring until everything is thoroughly mixed together.
- Bring to a boil over high heat before reducing it to low and allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Grease a 9” x 13” baking dish with butter or margarine and spread the broccoli rice mixture in an even layer in the baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the top of the rice and use a spoon or spatula to distribute it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring that it turns a golden brown colour before removing it from the oven. Allow the dish to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version of this dish, try using whole-grain rice instead of white rice.
- Try adding some shredded cheese to the top of the dish before baking for extra richness and flavor.
- If you don’t have condensed cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can substitute it with 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk, 1/4 cup butter or margarine, and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- If you want to make this dish even more flavorful, try adding some fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish some extra spice!
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with many different sides. One of my favorite side dishes to serve with this dish is a simple green salad. The freshness of the vegetables in the salad contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the gratin.
A light and crunchy vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans would also make a great accompaniment. The crunch and color will add another layer of texture to the dish, making it even more inviting.
If you’re looking for an extra indulgent side, try serving some garlic bread or roasted potatoes on the side. The richness of the bread or potatoes will complement the creamy cheese in the gratin. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots would also be a good choice.
How to store leftover Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin?
Any leftover Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days when sealed and refrigerated properly.
To reheat, simply place the dish in a preheated 350-degree oven until it is warmed through. If you have large amounts of leftovers, you can also freeze the gratin for longer storage. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to two months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before transferring it to an oven-safe dish and heating it at 350 degrees until warmed through.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin. However, it is important to be aware that the condensed cream of mushroom soup used contains monosodium glutamate (MSG) which has been linked to adverse reactions in some people.
Therefore, pregnant women should take caution when eating this dish and consult with their doctor before consuming it. Additionally, pregnant women should ensure that any ingredients used in this dish are cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Lastly, pregnant women should also take care to make sure they do not eat large amounts of this dish as it is high in calories and fat.
FAQs
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free version of the condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Can I use other vegetables in this?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini if desired. You can also use a mix of vegetables to create a veggie-packed dish. However, note that adding more vegetables will alter the cooking time and you may need to adjust accordingly.
Can I use other types of rice in this?
Yes, you can use any type of long-grain white rice in this recipe. Other varieties like brown or basmati rice will also work, but you may need to adjust the cooking time for those.
Can I substitute the milk in this?
Yes, you can use non-dairy milk such as almond or oat instead of cow’s milk if desired. However, note that using non-dairy milk may affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of poultry seasoning?
Yes, you can substitute the poultry seasoning with an equal amount of a combination of dried or fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, parsley, and rosemary. To use fresh herbs, add them at the end once all other ingredients have been combined and cook for an extra few minutes before assembling and baking.
Wrapping Up
Thank you so much for reading about my recipe for Uncle Ben’s Broccoli Rice Au Gratin! This comforting dish is one of my family’s favorites and I know your family will love it too.
Be sure to have all the ingredients on hand before beginning, and don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Please share this article with any friends or family who might be interested in trying out this. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below and I’ll be happy to answer them.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
Love this recipe. Thanks