Homeschooler's 50-State Veggie Casserole
A colorful, nutrient-packed casserole featuring 50 broccoli florets (representing all U.S. states) baked in a creamy cheese sauce. This american-inspired kid friendly (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs florets (about 2 cups) broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 50 florets (about 2 cups) broccoli
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam broccoli florets for 5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in 1 tbsp flour, and cook for 1 minute until golden.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup milk and 1/4 tsp salt, then cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3-4 minutes).
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 tsp dijon mustard and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese until melted, then mix in steamed broccoli until evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Homeschooler's 50-State Veggie Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Homeschooler's 50-State Veggie Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shredded cheddar cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Homeschooler's 50-State Veggie Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Homeschooler's 50-State Veggie Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Homeschooler's 50-State Veggie Casserole vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many kid friendly recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better kid friendly dishes though.
