This Ham Casserole is is loaded with delicious bites of broccoli and super creamy rice! It’s a great recipe to make with leftover ham and it’s make-ahead and freezer friendly!
Ham Casserole
I can’t get enough of this incredible Ham Casserole recipe, it’s one of my favorite ways to make use of leftover ham while also switching up our normal dinner routine. I love using a variety of different vegetables here too! Bonus: This makes the best make-ahead recipe and freezer food!
Make-Ahead Method
- Assemble as outlined but don’t add Ritz topping.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. (You can also freeze it and let it thaw for 24 hours prior to following the remaining steps below.)
- If possible, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to baking.
- Add an additional 25 minutes of covered baking time, until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot. Add Ritz topping and bake for 10-15 more minutes, uncovered.
Pro Tips
- Use white long grain rice, not Instant rice. It has a creamier consistency and better flavor.
- Using Brown or Wild Rice: Other varieties of rice may require more liquid or cooking time. Cook according to package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water for more flavor. Add broccoli during the last 7 minutes.
- Condensed Soup: Feel free to make this with my homemade Cream of Chicken Soup instead of a can. Cream of Mushroom can also be used!
- Crispy Fried Onion Tops make a delicious topping on this casserole instead of Ritz as well.
- Frozen Broccoli can be used instead of fresh. Let it thaw and pay it dry.
- Other vegetable options include diced carrots, celery, peas, and green beans.
- Cheese: Shred it from a block if possible, it will melt and taste much better than packaged shredded cheese. Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow Cheese melts very well.
- Other cheese options include cheddar jack, mozzarella, and smoked gouda. A combination of different kinds of these cheeses may also be used.
- For different variations, be sure to try my Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, One Pot Sausage and Rice Casserole, and Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!
Storage
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This freezes and reheats very well, it’s one of my favorite freezer meals!
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Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 ¼ cup white long grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 10.75 oz. cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt/Pepper, optional
Ritz Cracker Topping
- 1 cup Ritz Crackers, crushed into crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Note: This recipe is designed to allow you to prepare all of the casserole ingredients in one pot before transferring to a casserole dish for baking. Before you begin, refer to your rice package for the amount of liquid (we'll use chicken broth) and cooking time. If preferred, cook the rice separately and skip the broth ingredient. You'll need 3 + 3/4 cups of cooked rice to combine with the other casserole ingredients. I use white long grain rice and the cooking times below work perfectly.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover tightly and cook for 8 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, replace the cover, cook for 7 more minutes. Refrain from stirring.
- Note: If liquid remains in the pot and the rice isn't yet cooked through after 15 minutes, cover simmer for up to 5 additional minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove from heat and leave the cover on. Let the rice sit for 10 minutes. Any rice on the bottom of the pot will release during this time.
- Add the diced ham, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well-combined.
- Spread into a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
- Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs and butter. Spread over the top of the casserole and bake, uncovered, for 10 additional minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes prior to serving.
Notes
- Use white long grain rice, not Instant rice. It has a creamier consistency and better flavor.
- Using Brown or Wild Rice: Other varieties of rice may require more liquid or cooking time. Cook according to package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water for more flavor. Add broccoli during the last 7 minutes.
- Condensed Soup: Feel free to make this with my homemade Cream of Chicken Soup instead of a can. Cream of Mushroom can also be used!
- Crispy Fried Onion Tops make a delicious topping on this casserole instead of Ritz as well.
- Frozen Broccoli can be used instead of fresh. Let it thaw and pay it dry.
- Other vegetable options include diced carrots, celery, peas, and green beans.
- Cheese: Shred it from a block if possible, it will melt and taste much better than packaged shredded cheese. Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow Cheese melts very well.
- Other cheese options include cheddar jack, mozzarella, and smoked gouda. A combination of different kinds of these cheeses may also be used.
- For different variations, be sure to try my Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, One Pot Sausage and Rice Casserole, and Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This freezes and reheats very well, it's one of my favorite freezer meals!
Make Ahead Method:
- Assemble as outlined but don't add Ritz topping.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. (You can also freeze it and let it thaw for 24 hours prior to following the remaining steps below.)
- If possible, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to baking.
- Add an additional 25 minutes of covered baking time, until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot. Add Ritz topping and bake for 10-15 more minutes, uncovered.
Hi. There seems to be a shortage of white rice at my grocery store, can I use brown rice instead?
Hi Jamie! You definitely can, however brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice does, therefore the cooking method that I outline in the recipe won’t be the same if brown rice is used. I would recommend cooking the brown rice separately according to package instructions so that you end up with 3 + 3/4 cups cooked. You can add chicken bouillon to the water to add more flavor. I would also steam the broccoli and cook the chicken during this time. From there, you can combine the cooked chicken and all the other ingredients and transfer to a casserole dish. Since you’re cooking the brown rice separately, you don’t need the chicken broth that’s noted in the recipe.
This was a huge hit in our house tonight! My daughter actually said it was one of the best things I’ve ever made. I did forget the Ritz topping, but everyone agreed they liked it as-is. A perfect way to use leftover Easter ham!
Hey Melissa!! Wahooo!! That is such wonderful news, I’m so so happy to hear that!! Thank you SO much for taking the time to leave a review!!! -Stephanie
This was an awesome recipe. Great use for leftover ham. I accidentally omitted the milk, and it still came out wonderful. This will become a go to recipe anytime I have leftover holiday ham. So easy and so good!!!
Hey Julie! That is so great to hear! I am so happy that you liked it, I am making this tomorrow with my own leftover ham! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it! -Stephanie
Hi!
What’s the best way to make it in bulk & freeze it?
Thanks
Hi Keely. I would suggest making 2 batches at the same time, each in their own casserole dish. Then I personally like to let it cool and freeze them in individual lunch sizes for myself in Tupperware containers. Then I just microwave it directly from a frozen state, OR thaw it in the microwave and then bake it in the oven to crisp up the top. You could also freeze an entire casserole without the Ritz topping, let it defrost in the fridge overnight, and then bake it in the oven until it’s warm. You can add the Ritz topping at that time too. I hope this helps! -Stephanie
This recipe was amazing, husband couldn’t stop eating. Made some changes cuz of lack of ingredients. Only had 1/2 the broccoli so added mushrooms and a little red pepper to make up the difference. Also used beef broth instead of chicken, and added a little dried hot peppers to add zip. Did use the french’s onion for the top. Did the oven method and was so pleased. Thanx so much.
Hi Angie! Thanks so much for sharing your variations, I’m sure people will find that helpful right now! 🙂 I’m so happy that you enjoyed it and really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review! Take care!! 🙂 -Stephanie
Delish! I love the rice. Was perfectly cooked. Will make this again.
Hey Sheryl, that’s excellent to hear! So happy you enjoyed it! This is definitely one of my favorite recipes, we never have leftovers! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it. -Stephanie
I was looking for a recipe to use some left over ham and found this recipe. We loved it! I will definitely make this again. I used 1% milk and reduced fat sour cream. Recipe turned out creamy and delicious. Thanks for posting this one.
Hey Mary! I’m sooo happy that you enjoyed this recipe, I love making it in bulk and freezing it and that’s exactly what I ended up having for a quick dinner last night actually! 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and rate the recipe, I really appreciate it!! -Stephanie
Could you substitute cauliflower rice for the white long grain rice to make a healthier version?
Hey Liz, I’m pretty sure you could! I haven’t cooked with cauliflower rice before so I’m not sure if it the cooking time is the same as regular long grain rice, so just take that into consideration when you make it by checking the package instructions! Enjoy!! -Stephanie
This was our dinner last night and we all enjoyed it! Yummmm!!
Hey Vicki!! YAYYY! So happy you enjoyed it, I LOVE this one, I love to make a lot of it and freeze it. mmmm. Have a great rest of your day!! 🙂 -Stephanie
I enjoy getting your newsletter in my inbox. I think this casserole is going to be added to our dinner menu. Thanks 😊
Hi Fran!! (That’s my moms name! ❤️)- I’m SO SO happy that you enjoy my weekly emails- it truly means a lot to me! Can’t wait for you to try my casseroles! You’re the best! -Stephanie