Hey there, food lovers!
It’s that time of year when cozy comfort food becomes a staple in our kitchens. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite go-to comfort meals that’s both nutritious and super tasty: Cheesy Ham Casserole! This dish combines the warmth of cheesy goodness with the savory delight of ham, and it’s surprisingly easy to make healthier than typical casseroles. So, let’s dive right into this delightful recipe that fits right into our “Healthy Food Recipes” theme!
**Cheesy Ham Casserole**
*Ingredients:*
– 2 cups cooked brown rice (you can sub with quinoa for a nuttier flavor)
– 1 1/2 cups diced ham (leftover ham works great!)
– 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
– 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
*Step-by-step Instructions:*
1. **Preheat your oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for our Cheesy Ham Casserole to bake to perfection.
2. **Cook your rice:** If you haven’t already cooked your rice or quinoa, do this first. I love using brown rice for its nutty flavor and because it’s a whole grain, which is so important for any healthy food recipes. Set it aside once cooked.
3. **Prep the broccoli:** While your grain is cooking, steam your broccoli. If you’re pressed for time, microwaving the broccoli with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes works wonders!
4. **Mix the casserole magic:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced ham, steamed broccoli, and 3/4 cup of your shredded cheese (saving a bit for the topping). Mix in the Greek yogurt, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creates a creamy, cheesy blend without a ton of extra fat—perfect for our health-focused approach.
5. **Assemble the casserole:** Pour this delicious mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the breadcrumbs over the top. This is my favorite part—visualizing the crispy, golden topping is enough to make anyone hungry!
6. **Bake to bubbly goodness:** Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
7. **Garnish and serve:** Once out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving if you like a little color (and a touch of summer flavor in the fall).
**Personal Insights & Tips:**
– **Customizing veggies:** Feel free to switch up the veggies! I often throw in cauliflower or even peas. Whatever’s in your garden (or fridge) is perfect!
– **Ham Hacks:** Got leftover holiday ham? This is the perfect way to use it up! You can also use turkey or chicken if you’re not a ham fan.
– **Dairy-free Options:** If dairy isn’t your thing, opt for a dairy-free cheese and yogurt—still deliciously creamy!
This Cheesy Ham Casserole not only warms the soul but also keeps the guilt at bay by introducing healthier ingredients. It’s a true testament to how our favorite comfort foods can shine in the landscape of Healthy Food Recipes without losing an ounce of flavor.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and feel free to share any fun tweaks you made.
Happy cooking, and here’s to delicious, healthy meals—one casserole at a time!
Xoxo,
[Your Name]