If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! This Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with chicken ham is a favorite in my household. It blends the delightful flavors of broccoli, creamy cheese, and savory chicken ham into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a family gathering, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and wholesome ingredients. In just a little over 50 minutes, you can create a complete meal that’s satisfying and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can get this casserole in the oven without any fuss.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich flavors and cheesy goodness of this dish.
- Healthy Twist: This casserole uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, keeping it low-carb while still being filling.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or for enjoying later in the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun of cooking! Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy delight:
For the Casserole
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets (cooked and cut into small pieces)
- 4 cups Cauliflower Rice
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Onion (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided)
- 8 ounces Diced chicken ham
Variations
One of the best things about casseroles is how flexible they can be! Here are some fun variations to tailor this recipe to your taste:
- Swap the protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken ham with turkey ham or even cooked shredded chicken for a different twist.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your meals.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.
How to Make Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with chicken ham
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft. This step brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to your sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Garlic adds an aromatic flavor that makes your casserole irresistible!
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Next, mix in the mustard powder, paprika, and softened cream cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and melted together. This creamy base will be one of the stars of your dish!
Step 5: Whisk in Heavy Cream
Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while whisking continuously. Simmer until your sauce thickens—it should be rich and velvety.
Step 6: Add Cheddar Cheese
Once thickened, add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into your sauce. Stir until it melts completely—this creates that delightful gooey texture we all love!
Step 7: Season Your Sauce
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
Step 8: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine cauliflower rice, broccoli florets, and diced chicken ham. Pour that luscious cheese sauce over these ingredients and stir well to ensure everything is coated beautifully.
Step 9: Bake It Up!
Spread your mixture into a well-greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish! Bake it in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!
Allow your casserole to sit for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set up nicely. Dish out generous portions and watch as everyone digs into this comforting meal!
Enjoy making this Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with chicken ham—it’s sure to become a new favorite!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chicken Ham
Making this casserole is a breeze, but here are some helpful tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!
Choose Fresh Vegetables: Using fresh broccoli florets will give your casserole a vibrant color and better texture. Fresh veggies retain more nutrients and add a delightful crunch.
Make Your Own Cauliflower Rice: If you have the time, consider grating fresh cauliflower instead of using pre-packaged cauliflower rice. This way, you can control the texture and avoid any additives.
Adjust Cheese for Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Mixing in some Monterey Jack or Gouda can add a unique flavor profile to your casserole.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
Use Leftover Chicken Ham: If you have leftover chicken ham from another meal, this is a fantastic recipe to repurpose it! It adds great flavor and saves time.
How to Serve Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chicken Ham
This casserole is not only filling but also visually appealing! You can present it in various ways that enhance its deliciousness and charm.
Garnishes
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
- Sliced Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a delightful crunch when sprinkled on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender. This side dish complements the cheesy flavors perfectly.
Simple Garden Salad: Mix greens like spinach or arugula with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steaming green beans keeps them crisp while providing a colorful side that balances the heartiness of the casserole.
Enjoy serving this comforting Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chicken Ham at your next family dinner or gathering! It’s sure to be a hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with chicken ham is a fantastic option for meal prep! It stores beautifully and tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Here’s how to keep your delicious creation fresh and ready for future meals.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Freezing
- Let the casserole cool completely.
- Cut into servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label with date and contents before freezing.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating
- For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave until heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
- For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot (about 20 minutes).
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe!
Can I make Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with chicken ham ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time; just store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven!
What can I substitute for chicken ham in Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with chicken ham?
You can use turkey ham or any other cooked chicken substitute that suits your taste. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, you can substitute cream cheese and heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or non-dairy alternatives.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This casserole keeps well and is perfect for meal prep. It tastes great reheated, making it an excellent choice for busy weekdays.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with chicken ham as much as I do! It’s not only comforting but also a wholesome dish that brings joy to your dinner table. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with Chicken
Indulge in the warmth of our Cheesy Low Carb Broccoli Rice Casserole with chicken. This delightful dish combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and succulent chicken for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Made with wholesome ingredients, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also low in carbs, making it a nutritious choice for everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort
Ingredients
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets (cooked and chopped)
- 4 cups Cauliflower Rice
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Onion (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided)
- 8 oz Diced Chicken
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until soft.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Mix in mustard powder, paprika, and softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
- Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower rice, broccoli florets, and diced chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over and mix well.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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