Hey there, my fellow food enthusiasts!
Is there anything better than curling up with a comforting casserole that’s both healthy and delicious? Today, I’m sharing one of my family’s all-time favorites: Creamy Ham and Rice Casserole. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or to bring warmth to any gathering. Plus, it’s an ideal way to sneak in some healthier ingredients without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive right into this delightful creation from my treasure trove of Healthy Food Recipes.
### Creamy Ham and Rice Casserole
#### Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked brown rice
– 1 1/2 cups cooked and chopped ham (use low-sodium for a healthier option)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup of frozen peas (or your veggie of choice)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (a healthier substitute for heavy cream)
– 1 cup low-fat milk
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
– A handful of chopped fresh parsley for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare Your Ingredients:** Ensure your brown rice is pre-cooked – this will save you so much time later. I love using leftover rice for this recipe; it’s a great way to reduce waste!
2. **Sauté the Onions and Garlic:** In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re translucent and have your kitchen smelling amazing (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. **Mix the Casserole Base:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, chopped ham, and frozen peas.
4. **Make it Creamy:** In another bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This creamy concoction is the secret to turning this into one of those Healthy Food Recipes that don’t even taste like they’re healthy!
5. **Combine Everything:** Pour the creamy mixture over the rice and ham mix, and stir until everything is well-coated. Personally, I love seeing the little pockets of peas and shards of ham peeking through!
6. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer everything into a lightly greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top (because who doesn’t love a cheesy crust?) and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbling and golden.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Once out, let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld even better. Garnish with some fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
#### Tips and Tricks:
– **Rice Tips:** Cook your brown rice the day before and refrigerate it. Cold rice works better in casseroles as it absorbs the flavors well during baking.
– **Veggie Boost:** Feel free to throw in whatever veggies you have at hand – this recipe is forgiving! Broccoli, spinach, or even bell peppers can add extra nutritional punch.
– **Ham Alternatives:** Turkey or chicken leftovers work wonders too, particularly after festive feasts.
##### Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Ham and Rice Casserole captures the essence of what Healthy Food Recipes should be: delightful to the taste buds and easy on the waistline. Plus, the flexibility of this dish makes it a frequent flyer at our dinner table, especially when I’m looking to clean out the fridge in a scrumptious way.
Don’t forget to share your variations or tweaks in the comments below. I’d love to hear what creative spins my fabulous readers come up with. Enjoy the warmth of this casserole, and happy cooking!
Until our next culinary adventure,
[Your Name] 🍽️🌿