Sunday Ham Casserole

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2

Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the broth, the rice, the soy sauce, and the thyme and stir to combine.

Step 4

Bring the broth mixture to a boil.

Step 5

Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low.

Step 6

Simmer the broth mixture until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Step 7

Remove and discard the thyme sprigs, then set the rice mixture aside.

Step 8

In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of the pepper jack cheese, the crushed crackers, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter and stir to combine. Set the crumb topping aside.

Step 9

In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt the remaining butter.

Step 10

Add the bell peppers, the poblanos, the onions, and the black pepper to the melted butter and cook, while stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Add the garlic and cook, while stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds-1 minute.

Step 12

Add the flour to the vegetable mixture and cook, while whisking or stirring, until the raw flour smell disappears, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 13

Slowly add the milk to the vegetable mixture, while whisking constantly.

Step 14

Cook the vegetable mixture, while stirring frequently, until thickened and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 15

Add the remaining pepper jack cheese, the sour cream, and the salt to the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.

Step 16

Add the rice mixture, the ham, and the peas to the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.

Step 17

Add the rice mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 18

Sprinkle the rice mixture with the crumb topping.

Step 19

Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden-brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 20

Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes.

Step 21

Serve garnished with the parsley.