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Ham, Broccoli, & Orzo Bake

PorkStove-TopOven

Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

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About

There is always one dish at the potluck that takes first place. And with the always requested Ham, Broccoli, & Orzo Bake, you will do just that! First, know that the preparation of it won't exhaust your excitement for the impending gregarious gathering, it is just such an easy yet gasp-worthy dishful. Then know that the cheese-surrounded, hammed-up, "broccoli-fied" orzo will have your fellow picnic goers clamoring for their next invitation to your backyard. You don't need a trophy to know that the comfy, homemade goodness of Ham, Broccoli, & Orzo Bake brings time well spent with people you love (well, mostly, haha). Bring home a winner tonight!

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Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 3 -In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil.

Step 4 -Stir the orzo into the chicken stock and cook, uncovered, until the orzo is al dente and the chicken broth is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5 -While the orzo is cooking, in another large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 6 -Stir the flour into the melted butter and cook, while stirring constantly, until it is lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 7 -Gradually whisk the milk, the salt, and the black pepper into the flour mixture.

Step 8 -Bring the milk mixture to a boil and cook, while stirring constantly, until it is thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 9 -Stir 1 1/2 cups of the sharp cheddar cheese into the milk mixture and cook until the cheese has melted.

Step 10 -Add the orzo, the ham, the broccoli, and the kale to the milk mixture and stir until they are well-coated.

Step 11 -Transfer the orzo mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 12 -Top the orzo mixture with the crispy-fried onions and the remaining cheese.

Step 13 -Bake the orzo mixture, uncovered, until bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 14 -Plate and serve.

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