Crockpot Broccoli and Rice Casserole

1 1/2 c. minute rice, uncooked
6 oz. velveeta cheese, cubed (I used 3 of the mini blocks)
2x12-14 oz frozen chopped broccoli
1/8 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. diced celery
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can chicken or beef broth
1 c. milk
1/2 t. pepper
1 c. crushed ritz crackers*
1/4 c. butter, melted*

Place liner in crockpot. Combine all ingredients except crackers and butter. Stir thoroughly. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. **Optional topping: Combine crackers and butter. Place on top of other ingredients. Place layers of paper towels under lid to keep crackers from getting soggy. Cover and cook as directed. It tasted just like my mom's recipe. Yummy!

This recipe, without the cracker topping, is most like my mom's broccoli cheese recipe that she made every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is my son's favorite. Mom had used Cheese Whiz, but it's hard to find sometimes.

1st picture is ready to start cooking; 2nd picture is almost done cooking; 3rd picture is ready to eat.