Creamy Ham & Broccoli Hash Browns Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to this delightful and creamy one-dish casserole that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters! 🍽️ This dish was lovingly developed from a plain hashbrown casserole recipe found in one of my Weight Watchers cookbooks, and it has become a staple in my household. Not only is it perfect for dinner when served with a side of applesauce and a crisp green salad, but the leftovers make a wonderful lunch the next day. And for those following the Weight Watchers program, each serving of this comforting casserole is just 4 points. 😊
Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients to create this scrumptious casserole. Here’s what you will need:
- Broccoli: 2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces 🥦
- Ham: 8 ounces of fat-free ham, diced into small cubes 🍖
- Cheese: 1 cup of low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter, melted 🧈
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- Hash Browns: 1 pound of frozen cubed hash brown potatoes 🥔
- Sour Cream: 1 cup of light sour cream
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon of paprika for a touch of color and flavor
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) 🍄
Preparation Time
To give you a clear idea of how much time you’ll be spending on this delightful dish, here’s a breakdown of the preparation and cooking times:
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Cooking | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Nutritional Information
For those who are health-conscious, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (with a total of 9 servings):
- Calories: 204
- Fat Content: 9.5 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.7 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 27.1 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 164.1 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 23.1 grams
- Fiber Content: 2 grams
- Sugar Content: 0.5 grams
- Protein Content: 7.5 grams
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the detailed steps to create this creamy and satisfying casserole. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a delectable dish ready to serve!
-
Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to bake the casserole to perfection once all the ingredients are mixed and assembled. -
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, wash and chop it into bite-sized florets. If using frozen broccoli, allow it to thaw slightly and chop if needed.
- Ham: Dice the fat-free ham into small, uniform cubes.
- Cheese: Shred the low-fat cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded.
- Hash Browns: Measure out 1 pound of frozen cubed hash brown potatoes.
-
Combine Hash Browns and Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen cubed hash brown potatoes and the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese. This mixture will form the base of your casserole and ensure that every bite is cheesy and satisfying. 🥔🧀 -
Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper over the hash brown and cheese mixture. Then, drizzle the melted butter over the top. The butter will help bind everything together and add a rich flavor. Stir well to ensure that the pepper and butter are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. 🌶️🧈 -
Incorporate Broccoli and Ham:
Add the chopped broccoli florets and diced ham to the bowl. Stir gently to mix, ensuring that the broccoli and ham are evenly distributed throughout the hash brown and cheese mixture. This will give the casserole a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. 🥦🍖 -
Add Creamy Elements:
Now, add the light sour cream and the can of cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy mixture. The sour cream and soup will provide a luscious, creamy texture that ties all the ingredients together. 🥄🍄 -
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spoon the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the dish, ensuring that it’s level and reaches all the corners. This will help the casserole cook uniformly. 🍲 -
Add Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika evenly over the top of the casserole. The paprika will add a lovely color and a hint of flavor to the finished dish. 🌶️ -
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. The casserole is done when it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown. The cheese should be melted and the edges slightly crispy. 😋 -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut into portions. Serve with a side of applesauce and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. 🍽️🍏🥗
Storage and Leftovers
This casserole is not only delicious when freshly made, but it also makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. 🥘🔄
Conclusion
This Creamy Ham & Broccoli Hash Browns Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner with family or enjoying the leftovers for lunch, this casserole is sure to please. The combination of creamy ingredients, savory ham, fresh broccoli, and cheesy hash browns makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for those following the Weight Watchers program. Enjoy this tasty and nutritious casserole with your loved ones! ❤️🍴
Bon appétit!
