BROCCOLI-HAM BAKE

A very dear friend shared this dish with me. My family loves it because it includes one of our favorite vegetables—broccoli. It’s a delicious and colorful way to use up leftover ham.

—MARGARET ALLEN ABINGDON, VA



PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen cut broccoli

2 cups cooked rice

6 tablespoons butter, cubed

2 cups fresh bread crumbs (about 2 1/2 slices)

1 medium onion, chopped

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

3 cups milk

1/2 pounds fully cooked ham, cubed

Shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook broccoli according to package directions; drain. Spoon rice into a 13x9-in. baking pan. Place broccoli over rice.

2. Melt the butter in a large skillet. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the bread crumbs and set aside. Saute onion in remaining butter until soft. Add flour, salt and pepper, stirring constantly until blended; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Add ham.

3. Pour over rice and broccoli. Sprinkle with crumbs. Bake 30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese; let stand 5 minutes before serving.