Healthy Broccoli Cheese Bake

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, sliced

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced

8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms

½ teaspoon salt, divided

¼ teaspoon black pepper

6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups low-fat (1%) milk, heated

½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

¼ cup shredded Romano cheese

7 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed, well drained on paper towel

1 cup fresh whole-grain bread crumbs

1 tablespoon butter, cut into bits

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 2

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper, stirring frequently, until mixture begins to brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 3

Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and milk and bring to a boil, stirring until smooth. Boil, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in cheddar and 2 tablespoons romano. Stir in broccoli and pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Step 4

Toss bread crumbs with remaining 2 tablespoons romano and sprinkle over top. Dot with butter.

Step 5

Bake, uncovered, until crumbs are golden and casserole is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Cook's Note:

A trick to popping the flavor of the Cheddar is to add a bit of romano or Parmesan cheese.

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