February 04, 2011
Pork Switch-Out: Ham, Broccoli & Rice Casserole
If you have a favorite recipe it's most likely adaptable for what you have on hand. Especially if it's a casserole, soup or other one pot meal. You can switch out the veggies, meat and seasonings of most recipes to suite what you have on hand or your families taste. Over here we love rice, ham and broccoli and have those things on hand most of the time. So I took a classic Chicken and Rice Casserole and adapted it to suite our needs.
When your dealing with foods that your family enjoys there's no need to fear switching things up because in the long run they'll probably enjoy it just as much or more. I've been learning to cook recipes and adjust them to my families tastes. If we don't like a particular ingredient I switch it with one we do like and in the end my family enjoys our meals more because they are suited to what I know they like. That's not to say that we don't branch out to try new things too. But, it's nice to know when your making something your family will enjoy.
We loved this casserole with it's crunchy topping and cheesy sauce. And, who doesn't love the combination of ham and broccoli (besides those who don't like broccoli)? :) Feel free to adapt to your taste by substituting another vegetable for the broccoli or another herb for the thyme. You can even make it a little gourmet by using a mixture of different types of rice for additional texture and nutrition. Most likely with the adaptations your family enjoys you'll be able to whip this one up tonight with the confidence that it will be gobbled up in no time.
Ham Broccoli & Rice Casserole
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups shredded cheese, divided
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 head broccoli florets, chopped (4 cups frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups chopped Smithfield ham
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
Instructions
Melt butter over medium heat in saucepan. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in flour. Cook one minute. Slowly stir in chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps after each addition. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheese, thyme, salt and pepper.
Combine broccoli, ham and rice. Pour cheese sauce over all. Stir to combine. Spoon into a greased 9x13 pan or divide between 2- 9 inch baking dishes. Top with remaining 1 cup cheese and cornflakes.
Bake at 375ºF for 25-30 minutes or until top is bubbly and golden.
