Cheesy Crock Pot Broccoli Stuffing Casserole

Looking for a stick-to-your-ribs side dish this season that will round out your meals and leave you totally satiated? We’ve got you covered. This is technically a slow cooker dish, but its contents are so tasty and reminiscent of something we’d cook in the oven that we think it’s fair to call it a slow cooker casserole. At its core, it’s a cheesy broccoli-stuffing-stuffed recipe that everyone in our family absolutely adores. Making it in the slow cooker is a breeze – although you could also easily make this an oven bake instead – and we’re huge fans of the finished result.

What makes this dish special and different is the use of cornbread stuffing. It makes this dish more filling than your typical veggie side, plus, using the cornbread variety in particular is a great addition of flavor…the fact that it pumps up the recipe into something that will really tide you over is just a bonus! Along with the broccoli and stuffing, we’ve got cream of mushroom soup and plenty of cheese to give this dish its creamy consistency.

The broccoli softens nicely but retains a little bite to it (perfection!), and the stuffing softens up deliciously – everything just goes so well together! If you’ve got this on the docket for dinner, it doesn’t really matter what you end up making for the main course…this side dish steals the show every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Crock Pot Broccoli Stuffing Casserole is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will satisfy any comfort food cravings. The cornbread stuffing adds a hearty, flavorful base, while the creamy cheese and tender broccoli make it a dish that everyone will look forward to.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker
• Microwaveable bowl
• Microwave
• Spoon for stirring
• Knife for cubing cheese

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz.) bag frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (6 oz.) box cornbread stuffing
• 12 oz. Velveeta or cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the cornbread stuffing in a microwaveable bowl and pour the chicken broth over it, stirring together until the stuffing is moistened.
2. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Transfer the stuffing to the slow cooker, then add the broccoli, mushroom soup, and cubed Velveeta.
4. Season generously with salt and pepper, and sprinkle garlic powder over everything.
5. Stir together to combine, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the broccoli is tender.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the broccoli is fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
• Stir the casserole halfway through cooking to distribute the cheese and flavors evenly.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute cream of chicken soup for a different twist or add some cooked, diced chicken to make it a complete meal.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole is packed with flavor and offers a good dose of calcium and protein from the cheese, along with vitamins and fiber from the broccoli.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, just blanch it briefly before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I make this dish in the oven? Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 30-35 minutes.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Cheesy Crock Pot Broccoli Stuffing Casserole as much as we do. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your experience with us!