Baked Cheddar-Broccoli Rice Cups

 photo credit: http://fountainavenuekitchen.com

Baked Cheddar-Broccoli Rice Cups

original recipe: http://fountainavenuekitchen.com/baked-cheddar-broccoli-rice-cups/

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quick-cooking rice, like Minute Rice (can substitute about 2 cups regular, cooked rice and omit the 1 cup stock below)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 10-oz. box frozen, chopped broccoli, thawed and excess water squeezed out
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup Homemade Ranch Dressing (see recipe), or store bought
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare rice as directed on package, substituting stock for water.  Place cooked rice in a large bowl and let cool slightly.  Add the remaining ingredients, using only 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, and stir until combined. Transfer mixture to eight well-greased muffin cups–I like to use an ice cream scoop–and top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.  Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees or until tops are lightly browned and edges are starting to get crispy.