Here’s the full recipe for Cheesy Ham, Rice, and Broccoli Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice (such as jasmine)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups diced, sliced, or chopped ham (leftover spiral ham works well)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (or more, as desired)
- Seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the rice to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice begins to crisp up slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir in the broccoli florets, ensuring they are evenly distributed over the rice. Cover again and continue to simmer for another 8 minutes.
- While the rice and broccoli are cooking, in a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, diced ham, and your desired seasonings.
- Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the ham and cream mixture until well combined. Add half of the shredded cheese to the mixture and stir until melted and combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Ham, Rice, and Broccoli Casserole!
Most Popular Questions and Answers Related to Cheesy Ham, Rice, and Broccoli Casserole:
Q1: Can I use a different type of rice for this casserole? A1: Yes, you can use any type of rice you prefer. Jasmine rice works well, but you can also use long-grain white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice for added texture and flavor.
Q2: Can I substitute the ham with another protein? A2: Absolutely! If you don’t have ham or prefer a different protein, you can substitute it with cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Q3: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? A3: Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen. Simply wash and chop the fresh broccoli into small florets and add them to the casserole as directed in the recipe.
Q4: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A4: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply follow all the steps up to transferring the mixture to the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed in the recipe.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A5: Yes, you can freeze any leftovers of this casserole for later. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire dish to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? A6: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables. Peas, carrots, bell peppers, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using vegetables that require longer cooking times.