Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

Sometimes you have odds and ends in your refrigerator in need of use that work great in a casserole like this, and sometimes you're just craving something cozy and comforting and this casserole sounds like the perfect way to end the day! Or maybe it's both!

This is a creamy, cozy, deliciously simple casserole that is leftover and pantry friendly. If you don't have fresh broccoli, use pretty much any other veggie you'd prefer in it's place. If you don't have ham, use some cooked, cubed chicken or pork instead! Mix and match to use what you have on hand. It's a forgiving and simple base that allows for a lot of flexibility. I love the ham and broccoli combination. We don't typically have ham on hand, but I've bought it to make this casserole more than once.

Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

Ingredients
3 Tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ¼ cup white long grain rice, uncooked
2 cups cooked ham, diced
2 cups broccoli florets
10.75 oz. cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
¾ cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
1 tsp salt, more to taste
½ tsp black pepper, more to taste

Topping
1 - 2 cups crushed chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a soup pot, heat the butter over medium to medium high heat. When melted, add in the diced onion and saute about 5-6 minutes, until it begins to brown and become tender. Add in the chicken broth and uncooked rice, stir, bring to a simmer, cover and cook about 15 minutes. Stir the broccoli in during the last 6-8 minutes. Liquid should be mostly absorbed and rice mostly or completely cooked.
3. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese. When combined, taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Scrape mixture into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Cover and bake 20 minutes.
4. Remove foil, sprinkle with crushed chips (or crackers) and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes, until casserole is bubbly and topping is crisped.

Recipe from The Cozy Cook