Ham & Broccoli Hot Dish

1 1/2 cups long grain rice

3 cups water

1 1/2 lbs. cooked ham, cubed

2 (10 0z.) pkgs. frozen, chopped broccoli, thawed, drained

6 Tbsp. butter, divided

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 c. all purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

3 cups milk

2 cups bread crumbs

1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cook rice in water using the package directions. Spread in a 2 qt. baking dish. Layer ham and broccoli over rice.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Melt 4 Tbsp. butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt and black pepper. Add milk and mix well. Cook, stirring continually, until thickened, about 4 minutes. Pour sauce evenly over broccoli.

Melt remaining butter in a small saucepan. Add bread crumbs and toss to coat. Sprinkle over sauce.

Bake until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the Cheddar. Serve immediately.

Ashlee side note: For a little variation on this, add 1 cup shredded Swiss to the sauce instead of sprinkling cheddar on the top. It makes for a nice little twist. Once again, this is like a meal all in itself.