HAM, BROCCOLI AND ORZO CASSEROLE

Ham, Broccoli and Orzo Casserole image

A kid-pleaser and the perfect comfort food, this gooey orzo casserole is a complete meal in one. For an extra homey touch, I make mine in my favorite hand-me-down casserole dish from my Grandma Laverne. -Heather Arndt Anderson, Portland, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 cups chicken stock
2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
2 cups chopped fresh broccoli
2 cups chopped fresh kale
1 cup french-fried onions

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, bring stock to a boil; stir in orzo. Cook, uncovered, until orzo is al dente and broth is absorbed, 8-10 minutes ., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir until lightly browned, 4-5 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese; cook until cheese is melted., Add orzo, ham, broccoli and kale. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with onions and remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly, 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 637 calories, Fat 27g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 1386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 66g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 32g protein.