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.
What a treat After about 20 years! I used to do broccoli casserole minus the ham for years when my children were at home. So glad I had left over ham and researched the net for a recipe this am. That casserole is big enough for at least 4 meals for my husband and I. Will get back to doing it repeatedly.
Thanks so much for the fantastic comments and review Ruth💖! I’m so happy you found this recipe. It’s one of my favorite ways to use leftover ham.
Absolutely delicious ! My 90 year old mother tasted it and wants the recipe. It’s now one of our family favorites!
That is a wonderful compliment Carol, thank you so much!!! -Stephanie
This recipe is delicious!! It is a keeper. My entire family loved it.
I’m so happy the whole family loved it Kim! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!💖
Can I use instant rice in this?
This process is outlined for white long grain rice, I haven’t tested it with Instant Rice. If you use that, I would cook it according to package instructions instead of in chicken broth as outlined in this recipe.
An excellent comfort meal!! Substituted chicken and crispy fried onions. (it’s what I had in the pantry) This will become a family favorite!
I’m so happy you enjoyed this with chicken Dawn, nice work! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!💖
Had leftover ham and needed to do something with it. Big hit with me and my Hubby. Made it twice in one week!!
Thank you!!
You’re very welcome Kathy! I’m so happy you were able to use your leftover ham on this one. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!💖
This was delicious, Stephanie! I often do fancy meals, as I am retired and love to cook. This was a refreshing change and so easy to make! Thank you!
I’m so happy you enjoyed this casserole Norma, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!💗
Great casserole. I’m a Midwest queen but I haven’t made a casserole in ages. Too many years away I guess. This dish was a great way to get back to my roots. I loved how much snap the veggies maintained. I added garlic and sweet bell peppers for more depth. I loved it, will make again. I do recommend splitting up the casserole to different dishes for freezing if you are also in a two person household.
I’m so happy this brought you back to your roots Jessica! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!💗
LOVED this recipe!!! Absolutely delicious. Will definitely make this again and again. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that Alice, my daughter and I love making this together. I’m so happy you enjoyed it, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it! -Stephanie
Comfort food.
This is comfort food. So good. We have 3 teens, my husband is a hard working man. I had a good day, but it was a hard day for some and sitting together enjoying this meal helped wash away the troubles of the day. They all said this recipe is a keeper. I made the oven casserole version exactly as written, but used gluten free crackers. I don’t always have those on hand and in the future might use potato chips.
Very good.
I’m with you Tami, you can’t beat enjoying some comfort food after a tough day, it’s so uplifting. I’m happy to hear this is a keeper in your house, thanks so much for the great review!💖