My Asparagus Casserole

I had some wonderful asparagus that I found at a farmer's market that I wanted to use as a main dish. I found a recipe for an asparagus casserole that looked intriguing. I didn't have as much fresh asparagus as the recipe called for, so I decided to add green beans to the mix, along with a few other items to really give this casserole a bit more substance. This was the best casserole of any kind that I think I've ever had. My husband hasn't been able to stop eating it either, even the next day!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 556 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed buttery round crackers
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 cup French fried onions
• 1 (8 ounce) precooked ham steak, diced - divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Place asparagus spears into a large skillet and pour in about 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil, cover skillet, and steam until the asparagus is very tender, about 20 minutes, adding more water if needed. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.

Step 4

Lay the asparagus into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.

Step 5

Whisk together cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth in a bowl; pour half the soup mixture over the asparagus.

Step 6

Sprinkle in half the diced ham.

Step 7

Spread cracker crumbs evenly over the ham.

Step 8

Spread green beans over the cracker crumbs.

Step 9

Pour remaining soup mixture over the casserole and sprinkle on the remaining ham.

Step 10

Arrange French-fried onions over the top of the casserole, and cover the casserole with a lid.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbling, about 30 minutes.

Step 12

Remove from oven, and sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the casserole in an even layer.

Step 13

Return to oven without covering casserole; bake until the cheese is melted, another 5 minutes.