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!
Try These Next
Get My Free Meal Plan
I’ve got a Free Meal Plan with 7 of my super popular recipes (complete with grocery list)! Sign up for my email list and I’ll send it over now along with weekly dinner recipes!
And follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
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.
I made this recipe and we loved it,it was so very good absolutely going to make it again
That’s so great to hear Cindy, thank you so much!! Really happy to hear that. -Stephanie
MY Son has been staying with me for the last 4 months and he told me last night over leftovers, that i have made 2 unforgetable dinners, the first one was this casserole, he also liked the ease of the recipe. he loves this recipe.
Wow that’s so sweet, I love this🤗! Thanks so much for thanks so much for sharing!
This was scrumptious! I did not have broccoli so I substituted a can of mixed vegetables. I also placed french fried onion rings as the topping. The end result was rich and delicious! I will definitely being making this recipe again.
That’s so great to hear Anne and I love the variations that you made too, sounds SO good, I love french onion rings on casseroles, MMM!! Thank you so much for the review, I really appreciate it! -Stephanie
its a keeper, yum yum and yum. thank you
You’re very welcome, thanks so much for giving it a try! I’m happy to hear it was a success!😀 Thanks so much for the review!
well, its still in the oven, but i love the ease of this recipe. the cool trick with the rice not sticking and the beautiful color of the rice from the butter and olive oil. cant wait to eat it.
i will come back after dinner. 🙂
I’m happy to hear you’re finding the recipe easy! Can’t wait to hear how it turns out!😀
Made it tonight for dinner. Wonderful! Had to bake it longer than stated but the wait was worth it! This recipe is a keeper!
Saskatchewan, Canada
Happy to hear this is a keeper for you!😀 Such a great dinner for during a busy weekday too! Thanks so much for the review!😀
Simple recipe to follow, great comfort food dish! Only reccomendation is to not cut florets too small, and don’t be afraid to put in more ham.
Happy to hear you liked it Kathy!😀 Great recommendations, thanks so much for the review!
Hi somehow my comment got messed up but what I meant to say was … I lost interest cooking bc I don’t cook for crowds anymore except holidays small meals aren’t easier lol but this recipe was a pretty good hit with hubby it’s just me and him now so it’s hard to make bigger recipes!! Also i tried to find where to leave a pic for yahs but don’t see it … any how it was really really good and the buttery ritz was good idea too!! Thanks and happy new year🎉🎉✨
You’re very welcome!😀 I’m happy to hear you and the hubs like this one! I agree, the ritz topping makes it extra yummy! Happy New Year to you too!🎉🎉🎉
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes! (See post for freezing instructions!)
I couldn’t find the post for freezing. I’ve cooked it and I want to freeze portions for future meals.
Hi Julee, This is easy to freeze before or after baking. I like to freeze portion sizes and pop them in the microwave when I want for easy lunches! 🙂
This was so good! I was gifted some extra ham and had no idea what to do with it. I found the recipe on Pinterest and made as written. It was a huge hit!! My husband and toddlers loved it. Thanks!
I’m always shocked at how much kids like casseroles! I love it cause it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables. My 4 year old daughter normally wouldn’t touch broccoli but in this she loves it! I’m so happy to hear it was a hit with the family Deirde. Thanks so much for the review!😃