This yummy cheesy ham casserole is full of broccoli and rice and is topped with a wonderful cracker topping. It can be made 2 days in advance to save time, if desired.
2 T. butter
½ c. onion, finely diced
2 ¼ c. low-sodium chicken stock or broth
1 ¼ c. white long grain rice, uncooked
2 c. cooked ham, diced*
2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into chunks**
10.75 oz. canned cream of chicken soup
½ c. sour cream
¾ c. milk
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
salt and pepper, to taste
Ritz Cracker Topping:
1 c. Ritz crackers, crumbled
2 T. butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions; cook for 5 minutes, until softened; remove from pan; set aside.
Add the chicken stock or broth and rice to pan; bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer; cover for 15 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to stir halfway through to ensure it’s not sticking to the bottom.
Add ham, broccoli, soup, sour cream, milk and 1 c. Cheddar cheese; stir until combined. Spread into prepared dish. Top with remaining Cheddar cheese. Cover; bake for 35 minutes.
Topping:
Combine Ritz cracker crumbs and butter; spread over top of the casserole; bake, uncovered, for 10 additional minutes.
Let casserole sit for 5 minutes prior to serving.
6 servings.
*If using ready-to-eat ham, and the label says that water has been added, dice and sauté the ham with the onions, then drain out the excess moisture before adding it to the casserole. If using leftover ham that's you've already cooked, there's no need to cook it again.
**If using frozen broccoli instead of fresh, let it thaw then pat it dry before adding it to the mixture.