Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole

As Chef Emma, I believe that some of the most profound family memories are forged in the warm glow of the kitchen, over a dish that speaks the universal language of comfort. For me, nothing says “comfort” quite like a bubbling, golden-brown casserole pulled straight from the oven.

This Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole is the embodiment of that feeling. It’s a recipe I developed on a chilly evening when all I craved was something hearty, warm, and satisfyingly cheesy, but without the usual hassle and mess of multiple pots and pans. I wanted to create a dish that could serve as a cozy main course on its own or as the star side dish for a family gathering, a recipe that felt like a warm embrace on a plate.

Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole

Dive into cheesy goodness! This Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish. It combines tender potatoes and broccoli in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, all made in a single pot. Perfect as a main or side, and ready in a flash!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes diced into ¾-inch cubes
• 1 lb fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk warmed
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, Chef’s knife, Cutting board, Whisk

Method

 

1. Place diced potatoes in a large skillet, cover with salted water, and boil for 8-10 minutes. Add broccoli for the last 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk and broth until smooth.
4. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in Dijon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Turn off heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Gently fold the potatoes and broccoli into the cheese sauce.
7. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs before baking. Cooked, diced chicken or crumbled bacon can be added for extra protein.

The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity. It’s a culinary shortcut to happiness, layering tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce all in one pot. I remember the first time I made it, the aroma filled my home, drawing my kids to the kitchen with excited anticipation. Watching them devour every last cheesy bite, I knew this dish was a keeper. It’s more than just food; it’s a moment of connection. As culinary experts often note, shared meals, especially comforting ones, can strengthen family bonds and create lasting traditions. This Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole isn’t just a recipe from my kitchen to yours; it’s an invitation to create your own warm, delicious memories, one simple, cheesy spoonful at a time. For more insights on building healthy eating habits, you can find valuable resources from leading nutrition authorities like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Summary

Dive headfirst into a world of cheesy goodness with this Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, masterfully combining tender-cooked potatoes and crisp broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Best of all, it all comes together in a single pot, making both preparation and cleanup incredibly simple. It’s versatile enough to shine as a hearty vegetarian main course or to steal the show as a decadent side dish. Ready in a flash, this casserole is your go-to solution for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a special occasion, even on a busy weeknight.

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (at least 12 inches)
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole

To assemble this incredibly comforting Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole, you will need these simple, wholesome ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and diced into ¾-inch cubes
• 1 lb fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• Optional: 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping

Directions for Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole

Follow these easy steps to craft your perfect Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole:

1. Par-Cook the Vegetables: Place the diced potatoes in your large oven-safe skillet and add enough cold, salted water to cover them by an inch. Bring to a boil and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until they are just starting to become tender. Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the potatoes and broccoli well and set them aside.
2. Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wipe the skillet dry and place it back on the stove over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Pour in the broth and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth.
4. Thicken and Season: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Turn off the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Melt the Cheese: Gradually stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is velvety and smooth.
6. Combine the Casserole: Gently fold the drained potatoes and broccoli back into the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
7. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. If using, toss the panko breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle them over the cheese for an extra-crispy crust.
8. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Add Protein: Easily turn this into a complete main course by adding 1-2 cups of cooked, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, or leftover ham. Stir it in along with the potatoes and broccoli.
• Cheese Blends: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! A mix of Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda would be delicious.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or carrots. Just make sure they are pre-cooked before adding them to the casserole.
• Crispy Topping: For an even crunchier topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs with crushed Ritz crackers or fried onions before sprinkling on top.

Nutrition Facts

Nutritional Highlights

This Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole is a celebration of comfort, but it also packs a surprising nutritional punch. Broccoli is a true superfood, loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber, which supports a healthy immune system and digestion. Yukon Gold potatoes provide a good source of potassium and offer sustained energy from complex carbohydrates. The cheese and milk contribute calcium and protein, making this a satisfying and relatively balanced dish when enjoyed as part of a varied diet.

Dietitian Tips

To lighten up this classic comfort dish, you can make a few simple swaps. Use low-fat milk and a reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese to lower the overall calorie and fat content. To boost the fiber and nutrient density, consider leaving the skins on the potatoes and increasing the amount of broccoli. You could also add other vegetables like cauliflower or bell peppers. Serving a smaller portion alongside a large green salad can help create a more balanced meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. There’s no need to thaw them first; simply add them to the boiling water with the potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking as the recipe directs.

2. How do I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

3. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. To make this casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the roux with an equal amount of a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

5. What are the best potatoes to use for a casserole?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal. They hold their shape well after boiling and baking, preventing the casserole from becoming mushy.

6. Can I bake this in a regular casserole dish instead of a skillet?
Yes. Follow all the steps for preparing the sauce and mixing the ingredients in a pot on the stove, then transfer everything to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish before topping with cheese and baking.

Conclusion for Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole

The Quick One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli Potato Casserole is a true celebration of simple, heartfelt cooking. It’s proof that you can create a spectacularly delicious and comforting meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. From its rich, creamy sauce to the perfectly tender vegetables and golden, cheesy crust, every element works together to create a dish that feels both special and effortless. I hope this recipe brings warmth, smiles, and a sense of cozy satisfaction to your family’s table.

For more recipes follow me in Facebook and Pinterest.

See also Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls | Sweet & Savory High-Protein Meal Prep

See also Pumpkin Mac and Cheese – Creamy Fall Comfort Food