Ham, Cheese, and Broccoli Casserole
I created this dish by combining elements of existing recipes and then adding my own ideas. It is fairly easy and quick to make. On first try it was a big hit. I will have to make it again and take a photo before it disappears.
I created this dish by combining elements of existing recipes and then adding my own ideas. It is fairly easy and quick to make. On first try it was a big hit. I will have to make it again and take a photo before it disappears.
- 3 cups water
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 potatoes peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 lb ham (fully cooked) cubed or chopped coarse
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper chopped coarse
- 1 can campbells fiesta nacho cheese soup
- Carbohydrate 41.2491968758637 g
- Cholesterol 20.0515625105982 mg
- Fat 10.6997843784472 g
- Fiber 6.54928126501158 g
- Protein 8.31865625149499 g
- Saturated Fat 4.94130331469715 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (712g)
- Sodium 165.844375044289 mg
- Sugar 34.6999156108521 g
- Trans Fat 0.824065812706869 g
- Calories 284 calories
Step-by-step
- Boil the sliced potatoes and celery for about 5 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets and boil for another 5 minutes.
- Drain.
- In a large saucepan, sauté the ham, bell pepper, and onion in oil until tender.
- Add the potato mixture and gently mix.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour until smooth and whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cheese soup and bring just to a boil.
- Reduce heat and stir constantly until thickened and thoroughly mixed.
- If your ham and potato mixture is in an oven-safe pan, you can simply pour the cheese sauce over and bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 20-30 minutes.
- Otherwise, you can transfer the ham and potato mixture to a baking dish before adding the sauce.
- If desired, you can top with cracker crumbs before baking for a crispy topping.
My Favorite Comfort Food: Ham, Cheese, and Broccoli Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the endless to-do list, whipping up something from scratch often falls by the wayside. That's why I rely on recipes that are both simple and impressive, and this Ham, Cheese, and Broccoli Casserole fits the bill perfectly.
This casserole isn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a comforting hug in a bowl. The creamy cheese sauce, the tender ham, the subtly sweet broccoli – it's a symphony of flavors that my family absolutely adores. I remember the first time I made it; it was a chilly autumn evening, and the aroma of the baking casserole filled the house with warmth and deliciousness. The entire dish vanished in minutes, leaving only happy, satisfied faces around the table. And honestly, that's the best compliment a recipe can get.
One of the things I love most about this casserole is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to your liking. For instance, if you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. If you're a broccoli enthusiast (like me!), feel free to increase the amount. And if you want to make it extra decadent, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top is the perfect finishing touch.
The best part? It's incredibly easy to make. Even on the busiest of days, I can have this casserole assembled and in the oven in under 30 minutes. The prep work is minimal – chopping vegetables and cubing the ham are the most time-consuming parts. The cooking process itself is straightforward; boil the vegetables, sauté the ham and peppers, and then whip up a simple yet incredibly flavorful cheese sauce. The entire process is so intuitive that even a novice cook can master it.
This casserole is more than just a meal; it's a tradition. It's become a staple in our home, a dish that my family looks forward to. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time to create something delicious and meaningful, something that brings everyone together around the table, sharing laughter, conversation, and of course, a truly wonderful meal. The joy on their faces when they dig into this comforting dish is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. And that’s what matters most, really.
I often find myself reflecting on the simple pleasures in life, and this casserole represents that perfectly. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a bit of love and care, transforming into something truly special. I strongly encourage you to give it a try, and I'm certain it will quickly become a favorite in your household as well. It's a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious, and that's a combination that's hard to beat.
Beyond the taste and ease of preparation, this casserole also offers convenience. Leftovers are easily stored and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or packed lunches. The creamy cheese sauce holds up beautifully, and the ham and broccoli remain wonderfully moist, making for a satisfying meal even the next day. It’s the kind of dish that transcends its humble ingredients, becoming something much more than the sum of its parts—a symbol of comfort, warmth, and togetherness.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, I urge you to give this Ham, Cheese, and Broccoli Casserole a try. You won't be disappointed. It's the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, making it a true winner in my book. And honestly, seeing my family's happy faces as they savor every bite is the most rewarding part of it all. It’s a recipe for happiness, one delicious bite at a time.
