Turn your Easter leftovers into a creative and delicious budget meal with a simple ham and broccoli casserole. It’s a perfect way to stretch your holiday dollars further, combining savory leftover ham and crunchy broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce that the whole family will adore.
TRANSFORM YOUR EASTER LEFTOVERS INTO A DELIGHTFUL BUDGET MEAL
After the fun and joy of Easter celebrations, we often find ourselves with a fridge full of leftovers. But here’s a little secret – those leftovers are actually treasures waiting to be transformed into something new and exciting! One of the best things you can do is to turn them into a delicious budget meal that keeps your tummy and wallet happy. There’s a super tasty dish you can make using those bits and pieces – a ham and broccoli casserole!
Imagine taking the leftover ham from your Easter dinner and mixing it with some bright green broccoli. Then, imagine layering them in a dish with a creamy, cheesy sauce and baking it until it’s all bubbly and golden on top. Not only does this make a mouthwatering meal that feels like a hug in a dish, but it also helps you use up those leftovers in the best way possible. This ham and broccoli casserole is a perfect example of how you can turn what you already have into a budget-friendly feast.
BUDGET MEAL MAGIC WITH HAM AND BROCCOLI CASSEROLE
Unpacking the Ingredients of Your New Favorite Budget Meal
What’s great about this dish is how easy it is to make and that it helps us use up Easter leftovers. Basically, this budget-friendly meal includes:
- Leftover ham, chopped into bite-size pieces
- Broccoli, fresh or frozen, providing a pop of color and a boost of vitamins
- Cheese sauce, made with a blend of butter, sour cream, cheese and cream of chicken soup
- Rice or pasta, depending on your preference, to make the casserole hearty and filling
- Onions, to add depth to the flavor profile
- Crackers, for a crispy topping
BUDGET MEAL DELIGHT: CRAFTING THE PERFECT HAM AND BROCCOLI CASSEROLE
Easy-to-Follow Steps for a Wallet-Friendly, Flavorful Feast
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s all set for baking.
- Use leftover rice or pasta. Or, cook the rice or pasta according to package instructions until just al dente; you don’t want it too soft as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use leftover broccoli. Or, blanch the broccoli by boiling it for about 2 minutes, then plunging it into ice water. This step is crucial for keeping that vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Make the cheese sauce. Melt butter over medium heat, add onions and cook until the onions are softened. Lower heat, add soup, sour cream and milk, stir well. Add half of the cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine the ingredients. Add the ham and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Mix well. Then, gently fold in the rice.
- Transfer to a lightly greased baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese for an even cheesier casserole.
- Bake covered for about 20-25 minutes.
- Add the topping made of crushed Ritz cracker mixed with melted butter, for a crunchy finish.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHODS
Exploring Different Ways to Cook Your Way to Casserole Perfection
- Microwave version: Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and cook on high for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop version: Cook everything in a large skillet over medium heat, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and the broccoli is tender.
DELICIOUS VARIATIONS
Creative Twists on the Classic Ham and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Vegetarian option: Skip the ham and add mushrooms or bell peppers for a veggie-packed dish.
- Low-carb version: Use cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables in place of pasta or rice.
- Rice alternative: Use orzo, pasta, or hashbrowns.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE LEFTOVERS
Tips for Storing Your Ham and Broccoli Casserole Leftovers
This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a perfect prep-ahead budget meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ham & Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup onion diced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups ham diced
- 3½ cups long grain rice cooked
- 2 cups broccoli florets blanched
Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
- 2 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Lower heat, add soup, sour cream, and milk, stir well. Add half of the cheese and stir until melted.
- Add the ham and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Mix well. Then, gently fold in the rice.
- Spread into a lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
- Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs and butter. Spread over the top of the casserole and bake, uncovered, for 10 additional minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes prior to serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Transforming your Easter leftovers into a delicious ham and broccoli casserole is not only economical but also a delightful way to enjoy a budget meal with your family. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe can be made anytime of year. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a way to utilize holiday leftovers, this casserole promises to be a hit at your table.
Share your creative hacks, additions, or any budget-friendly tips for your Easter leftovers. Pictures encouraged – let’s see what you’ve whipped up!”
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