Healthier Broccoli Cheese Bake

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
• 0.5 teaspoon salt, divided
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups low-fat (1%) milk, heated
• 7 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed, well drained on paper towel
• 0.5 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup shredded Romano cheese
• 1 cup fresh whole-grain bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into bits

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper; cook and stir until begins to brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture; stir until well combined, about 1 minute. Add milk and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt; bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in broccoli, Cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons Romano cheese. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
4. Toss bread crumbs with remaining 2 tablespoons Romano cheese; sprinkle over casserole and dot with butter.
5. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until top is golden and casserole is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Cool before serving, 5 minutes.