There’s something so nostalgic about casseroles, isn’t there? They evoke memories of cozy family dinners, bubbling cheese, and the comforting warmth of the kitchen on a chilly night. One of my absolute favorites is the Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole. It’s super simple to whip up, and it has everything I love: creamy, cheesy goodness, hearty green veggies, and that savory hit of ham. This dish always brings me back to my childhood when my mom would make it for us after long school days. You know, the kind of dish that strikes that perfect balance between comfort food and a healthy dinner.
What really makes this casserole special is its versatility. You can easily customize it to utilize whatever you have on hand or to suit your family’s tastes. We all know life can get a little hectic, but this recipe allows for some flexibility. Whether you have leftover ham hanging in the fridge or just a couple of cups of broccoli that need using up, this dish will come to the rescue! Let’s dive into what you need to create this delightful casserole.
What’s in Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Cooked Rice: The base of this casserole! I love using brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but white rice works just as well. You can even use leftover rice from a previous meal, which is a win-win for me!
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, it’s up to you! Broccoli makes every bite feel a little bit healthier, and if you use frozen, it saves you some chopping time!
Diced Ham: This can be leftover ham from a holiday feast or store-bought deli ham. It adds the perfect saltiness and heartiness to the mix. Honestly, every bite feels like a hug!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I like to use sharp cheddar for that intense cheesy flavor, but feel free to mix it up! The gooey cheese on top is what dreams are made of.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret to a creamy texture without needing a ton of extra ingredients. You can experiment with other cream soups too if you love a different flavor profile.
Milk: Just a splash helps to loosen everything up and keeps the casserole creamy and delightful.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These little flavor boosters add warmth and aroma. I could sprinkle garlic powder on just about everything!
Salt and Pepper: Always a must for seasoning to taste. Don’t skimp on that!
Chopped Green Onions: These are for garnish, but they also bring a fresh crunch to contrast the creamy goodness of the casserole.
Is Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! There are some great health benefits here:
Broccoli: This veggie is a superfood packed with vitamins C and K, plus fiber. It’s low in calories and high in nutrients—perfect for balancing out the rest of the dish!
Rice: Depending on whether you choose white or brown, rice can be a good source of carbohydrates. Brown rice, in particular, is great for keeping you full with the added benefit of more fiber.
Ham: A good source of protein, ham can be part of a balanced meal, especially when paired with veggies. Just watch your portions if you’re keeping an eye on sodium!
While this casserole can be a comfort food staple, it’s full of richness, so it’s great to enjoy it in moderation. Balancing it out with a fresh green salad or some extra veggies on the side can make it even more nutritious!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup diced ham
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
*Serves: 6*
How to Make Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole?
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Oh, that warm kitchen smell is one of the best things!
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked rice, broccoli florets, diced ham, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic begins!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy mixture is going to bind everything together beautifully!
4. Pour the soup mixture over the rice and ham mixture in the mixing bowl. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.
5. Transfer this delicious combination into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Don’t forget to top it off with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Melty cheese is the best kind of cheese!
7. Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Just try to resist the temptation for a quick peek too early!
9. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set nicely.
10. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions for that fresh crunch before serving.
Creative Twists on the Classic!
Here are a couple of fun twists you might want to try with your Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole:
– **Cheese Swap:** Try using a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
– **Add Some Spice:** If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat!
– **Leftover Love:** Got other veggies lying around? Peas, carrots, or even corn can be great additions to the mix.
This casserole can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It makes for wonderful leftovers, too! You can even freeze it for later—just make sure to let it cool completely before covering it tightly for the freezer.
I hope you find as much joy in making and serving this Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole as I do. Try it out, tweak it to your liking, and share your experience! It’s a dish that feels like home, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it! Happy cooking!
