Brick Oven Casserole
A hearty baked casserole featuring ham, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, blending savory flavors perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter or margarine in a frying pan.
- Cook chopped onion and diced green pepper until tender.
- Add diced ham and brown lightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in dry mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
- Place dry precooked rice in a buttered 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with canned tomatoes and ham mixture.
- Cover with cream-style corn.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the diced ham with cooked sausage or turkey for a different twist. If you're short on time, use instant rice instead of dry precooked rice, though adjust the liquid accordingly. Adding some garlic or spices can enhance the dish as well. This casserole is also versatile; feel free to include additional vegetables like peas or carrots to boost nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Brick Oven Casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the flavors. For a complete brunch, consider serving it with Fluffy Oven Eggs And Bacon to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brick Oven Casserole contains roughly 1695 calories, with 16g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 145g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1205mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, as this helps it cook evenly.
What can I use instead of cream-style corn?
If you prefer, you can substitute cream-style corn with a mixture of regular corn and a bit of heavy cream or milk to achieve a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, use a can of corn and blend it until smooth, adding a touch of butter for richness.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through, or bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).