Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines hearty protein, nutritious vegetables, and creamy, cheesy goodness in one pan? Look no further than this irresistible Ham Broccoli and Rice Casserole! Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine a warm, bubbling casserole packed with tender ham, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that's guaranteed to comfort and satisfy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced ham, and steamed broccoli florets.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice, ham, and broccoli. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set and cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using leftover holiday ham or slightly smoked ham to add depth to the dish.
- To prevent soggy rice, use day-old or slightly cooled rice that isn't too moist.
- Steam the broccoli just until bright green to maintain its nutritional value and crisp texture.
- For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking and consider adding breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep a breeze.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 323kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
