19 Dinners You Can Make With That Half-Bag Of Frozen Broccoli

19 Dinners You Can Make With That Half-Bag Of Frozen Broccoli

That frozen broccoli in your freezer isn’t getting any younger, so it’s time to put it to work. Instead of letting it sit there like a forgotten science experiment, turn it into a meal that actually earns a spot on your table. From casseroles to soups to quick pasta dishes, these recipes are proof that frozen veggies don’t have to be boring.

A fork lifts a cheesy serving of macaroni and vegetables from a plate. The pasta is mixed with broccoli, carrots, and yellow peppers, highlighting its creamy texture and colorful ingredients on a wooden table background.
Photo credit: Saving Talents.

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy spaghetti alfredo is lightened up with the addition of broccoli, creating a balanced meal that’s easy to whip up. It’s a practical way to include veggies without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thinly sliced beef and broccoli come together in minutes for a quick stir-fry dinner. The rich sauce delivers takeout-level flavor with the convenience of using frozen broccoli.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This broccoli soup is rich and comforting, topped with crispy shallots for added texture. It’s a quick dinner option that makes excellent use of frozen broccoli.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Soup

Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Broccoli

Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bright flavors of lemon and Parmesan pair with chicken and broccoli in this 20-minute meal. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and a practical way to make dinner with frozen broccoli.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Broccoli

Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Casserole with Curry

Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Casserole with Curry. Photo credit: Saving Talents.

This comforting casserole brings together tender chicken, broccoli, and rice with a subtle curry flavor. It’s a great way to use up that half bag of frozen broccoli lingering in the freezer. You can prep it ahead, freeze it for later, or bake it fresh for a satisfying family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Casserole with Curry

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Saving Talents.

Ready in minutes, this Instant Pot mac and cheese is the dinner shortcut you didn’t know you needed. Creamy and versatile, it’s easy to toss in frozen broccoli or some leftover ham for a one-pot meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

Creamy and packed with flavor, this broccoli cheddar soup is a great way to turn frozen broccoli into a weeknight dinner. It’s dairy-free, takes just 15 minutes, and delivers that cheesy taste without any cheese. Perfect for a quick, veggie-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower and Broccoli

Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower and Broccoli. Photo credit: Freezer Meals 101.

This freezer-friendly side dish is as practical as it is flavorful. A mix of broccoli and cauliflower gets coated in buffalo ranch seasoning for a bold addition to your dinner table. It’s a quick way to make veggies exciting.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower and Broccoli

Italian Broccoli Pasta with Pecorino and Lemon

Italian Broccoli Pasta with Pecorino and Lemon. Photo credit: Mangia with Michele.

This pasta dish comes together in less than 30 minutes with broccoli, garlic, Pecorino cheese, and lemon. The cooked broccoli transforms into a creamy sauce, turning basic ingredients into a dish that feels anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Pasta with Pecorino and Lemon

Broccoli Cornbread with Cheese

Broccoli Cornbread with Cheese. Photo credit: Kitchen Divas.

Cheddar and broccoli take cornbread to another level, making it the ultimate side dish for dinner. This recipe is perfect for using up frozen broccoli and pairs well with just about anything. It’s even great as a standalone snack.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cornbread with Cheese

Old Fashioned Cream of Broccoli Soup

Old Fashioned Cream of Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Kitchen Divas.

Simple and hearty, this cream of broccoli soup is a no-fuss way to get dinner on the table quickly. Whether you include cheese or keep it plain, it’s a great use for frozen broccoli and a perfect choice for cozy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Cream of Broccoli Soup

Air Fryer Broccoli Potatoes

Air Fryer Broccoli Potatoes. Photo credit: Veg Buffet.

Tossed in olive oil and herbs, these air fryer broccoli and potatoes are a quick, easy side dish ready in just 15 minutes. The crispy texture and savory flavors make them a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli Potatoes

Colorful Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower

Colorful Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower. Photo credit: Refresh My Health.

This vibrant salad is packed with broccoli, cauliflower, and colorful veggies like carrots and bell peppers. A sprinkle of cheese ties everything together, making it a fresh and simple option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower

Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower

Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower. Photo credit: Refresh My Health.

This hearty vegetable stew features broccoli and cauliflower alongside onions in a flavorful broth. It’s an easy way to turn frozen broccoli into a filling meal that warms you up on chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower

Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

Garlic Parmesan Broccoli. Photo credit: Homemade Hooplah.

Roasted broccoli gets an upgrade with garlic and Parmesan. Tossed in olive oil and baked to perfection, it’s a quick and flavorful side dish that pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

Southern Broccoli Casserole

Southern Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Tessie’s Table.

Packed with broccoli, creamy chicken soup, and a buttery cracker topping, this casserole is always a hit at family dinners. It’s an easy way to use frozen broccoli and deliver a crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Southern Broccoli Casserole

Creamy Chicken Pasta Broccoli Casserole

Creamy Chicken Pasta Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Eat Move Make.

This casserole brings together chicken, pasta, and broccoli in a creamy, satisfying base. It’s a go-to comfort food and a great way to make use of frozen broccoli for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Pasta Broccoli Casserole

Crockpot Orange Chicken

Crockpot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Save Money Fever.

Sweet and savory, this crockpot orange chicken is perfect for busy days. Toss everything in the slow cooker, and a flavorful dinner is ready by evening. Frozen broccoli can easily be added for extra veggies.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Orange Chicken

Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: The Shortcut Kitchen.

This simple casserole combines broccoli and cheese for a dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a reliable option for dinner when time is short, and it makes good use of that frozen broccoli stash.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole


Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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