Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Rice Bake
Elevate your leftover rice to new heights with this delightful Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Rice Bake! This comforting one-dish meal combines tender asparagus, savory ham, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's not only a fantastic way to utilize leftovers, but it's also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast with eggs or as a satisfying dinner. Perfect for meal prep, this dish comes together quickly and offers the chance to experiment with seasoning alternatives for the cream of celery soup, making it a great canvas for your culinary creativity!
6
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Asparagus
1 lb (tough ends trimmed and chopped)
Cooked rice
2 cups (cooked)
Ham
8 ounces (diced (deli or packaged lunch meat))
Chicken stock
1 cup (liquid)
Cream of celery soup
1 (10 ounce) can (canned)
Cheddar cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a rectangular casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2
Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Cut the ham into similar size pieces.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped asparagus, and diced ham, mixing well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the can of cream of celery soup and chicken stock until smooth. Pour this mixture over the rice, asparagus, and ham in the casserole dish, ensuring everything is coated.
5
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the asparagus and check for your preferred texture; I enjoy mine slightly crisp.
6
Once the casserole is heated through, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly on top.
7
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
8.3g
Fat
20g
Carbs
13.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concept of the Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Rice Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender asparagus, savory ham, and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How much asparagus is needed for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of asparagus with the tough ends trimmed and chopped.
What kind of ham should I use?
You can use 8 ounces of diced ham, such as deli ham or packaged lunch meat.
Can I use leftovers for this recipe?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed to be a fantastic way to utilize 2 cups of leftover cooked rice.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made by whisking together one 10-ounce can of cream of celery soup and 1 cup of chicken stock.
How long does the casserole need to bake initially?
The casserole should bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes before adding the cheese.
When do I add the cheddar cheese?
Add the 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese after the casserole has heated through and the asparagus reaches your preferred texture.
How long should the cheese bake for?
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 8.3g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 13.3g of protein.
Can this dish be served for breakfast?
Yes, it is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, particularly when served with eggs.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent option for meal prep as it comes together quickly and stores well.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Lightly grease a rectangular casserole dish with cooking spray or butter before adding ingredients.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the instructions specify baking the casserole uncovered.
Can I substitute the cream of celery soup?
Yes, the recipe mentions you can experiment with seasoning alternatives or different cream soups to suit your culinary creativity.
What texture should the asparagus have?
The texture is a matter of preference, but the recipe suggests aiming for slightly crisp asparagus.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients: asparagus, cooked rice, ham, chicken stock, cream of celery soup, and cheddar cheese.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The specific fiber content is not provided in the nutritional data, but the asparagus will contribute some dietary fiber.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chicken stock in liquid form.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe calls for cheddar, you can experiment with other meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss.
What size should the ham pieces be?
The ham should be diced into bite-sized pieces similar in size to the chopped asparagus.
Do I need to cook the rice before starting?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 cups of rice that has already been cooked.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal or casserole.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the cream of celery soup and chicken stock together in a separate bowl before pouring it over the rice mixture.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is tagged as a casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, and meal prep option.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
Trim the tough, woody ends off and chop the remaining stalks into bite-sized pieces.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time ranges between 20 to 30 minutes.
Is this recipe high in protein?
With 13.3g of protein per serving, it provides a moderate amount of protein primarily from the ham and cheese.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the casserole to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.