Cheesy Ham, Rice & Vegetable Casserole

I actually developed this recipe while I wandered around in the grocery store aisles this afternoon.  And guess what?  It does NOT include a can of "Cream of ______ Soup."  

If you're craving comfort food, this fits the bill perfectly.

2 T. olive oil

2 cups diced ham

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 small carrots, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small jar diced pimentos, drained

2 cups small chopped broccoli florets

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper

1/4 t. Herbs de Provence

1 10 oz. pkg. of yellow rice cooked according to package directions

16 oz. sour cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

2 T. melted butter

While the rice is cooking in a medium saucepan, let's brown the ham and saute' the vegetables.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil, ham, onions, carrots, garlic, pimentos and broccoli.  Stirring frequently, add the salt, pepper and herbes de provence.  Let the vegetables cook for 5 - 7 minutes until they become tender.

When the rice has cooked, slowly mix it in with the ham and vegetables.

Now let's just take a minute and look at that photo.  I could have stopped right there.  I didn't have to go any further and that would have been a delicious meal!  Make note of that please.  USE this part of the recipe to stand on its own for yourself.

But we went further tonight.  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream and cheese.  When thoroughly combined, spoon into a lightly sprayed with non-stick spray 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Bake for 25 minutes.  Remove from oven, sprinkle with the cracker crumbs and slowly pour the melted butter over the top.  Return to oven for 5 more minutes.  Ready to serve!