Broccoli, Ham, and Rice Casserole

Re-purpose your leftovers in this delicious, down-home style casserole! Take cooked broccoli, ham, and rice and turn it into a dish your family will love.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course lunch/dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 12 people

Calories 4578.8 kcal

Equipment

1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
1 Large Skillet
1 Large Bowl
1 Whisk
1 Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients

Main

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ onion chopped
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 cups chopped cooked broccoli
2 cups chopped cooked ham
2 cups cooked white rice
1 cup crushed buttery round crackers
½ cup sliced almonds
6 slices cooked bacon crumbled

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook until fragrant and almost translucent, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle flour over onion, then cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add milk gradually, whisking constantly to keep mixture from becoming lumpy. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, about 15 minutes.
Add Colby-Jack cheese and cook and stir until cheese is melted and sauce begins to bubble, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Combine broccoli, ham, and rice in a large bowl. Add cheese mixture and stir to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with crushed crackers, sliced almonds, and crumbled bacon.
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until filling is bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

For an elevated flavor profile, consider sautéing a minced garlic clove with the onion. A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add depth to the cheese sauce. To prevent a mushy texture, ensure your cooked broccoli is al dente; blanching and shocking works wonders. For an extra crispy topping, toss the crushed crackers with a tablespoon of melted butter before spreading, and lightly toast the almonds. Whisk the milk gradually and continuously into the flour mixture to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. Remember to season the sauce carefully, tasting as you go, especially since ham can vary in saltiness. A garnish of fresh chives or parsley post-bake will brighten its appearance.