Craving a mouthwatering meal that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make? Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food that will transform your weeknight dinner routine! Our One Pot Cheesy Ham Rice Skillet is the culinary superhero you've been waiting for - packed with savory ham, creamy melted cheese, and tender rice, this recipe is about to become your new family favorite. Imagine a meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, dirties only one pan, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of diced ham, 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced ham to the skillet. Sauté the ham for about 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to brown slightly and becomes fragrant.
- Next, add the rice to the skillet with the ham. Stir the rice and ham together, allowing the rice to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- After the rice has cooked, add the frozen peas to the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate the peas into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the peas are heated through.
- Once the peas are heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rice and ham mixture. Cover the skillet once more and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir everything together until the cheese is fully incorporated. Serve the One Pot Cheesy Ham Rice Skillet warm, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right rice: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and absorption of flavors.
- Don't skip the toasting step: Toasting the rice with ham before adding liquid helps develop a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Keep the heat low: Simmering on low heat ensures the rice cooks evenly without burning.
- Use quality chicken broth: A good broth can significantly enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Let the cheese melt naturally: Covering the skillet after adding cheese allows it to melt perfectly without direct heat.
- Customize your protein: No ham? Try cooked chicken, bacon, or even vegetarian alternatives.
- Add extra vegetables: Feel free to throw in additional veggies like diced carrots or spinach for more nutrition.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after the cheese has melted.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
