Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole
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Ham is one of those meats that I absolutely love to have as leftovers. After enjoying a festive Christmas meal, I recently found myself with some leftover ham and put it in the freezer. I recently decided to use it to make this Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole. What I adore about this dish is that most of it is prepared in one pot (except for the broccoli) before it’s transferred to the baking dish. This makes for an easy and convenient meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
This casserole is a delightful combination of salty, flavorful ham, steamed broccoli, and tender rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Each bite is packed with savory goodness. But what truly elevates this casserole to the next level is the topping. It’s made with crushed Ritz crackers coated in a bit of melted butter, adding a buttery flavor and a satisfying crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
The Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to repurpose leftovers into a comforting and hearty meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole
- FROZEN BROCCOLI FLORETS
- BUTTER
- OLIVE OIL
- ONION
- CHICKEN BROTH
- LONG GRAINED RICE
- COOKED HAM
- CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
- SOUR CREAM
- MILK
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
- SALT AND PEPPER
- RITZ CRACKERS
Instructions for Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Cook the Broccoli: Cook the bag of broccoli according to package directions.
Cook the Onions: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Prepare the Rice: Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot with the onions. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes. If the rice isn’t fully cooked after 15 minutes, cover and simmer for up to 5 additional minutes, or until the rice is tender
Rest the Rice: Remove the pot from heat and leave the cover on. Let the rice sit for 10 minutes. This resting time allows any remaining liquid to be absorbed and any rice stuck to the bottom to release.
Combine Ingredients: Add the broccoli, diced ham, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Add the Crunchy Topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Spread this mixture over the top of the casserole. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen. Just make sure to cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and add it on top of the ice once it has cooked for 8 minutes. It will steam as the rice cooks for the remaining 7 minutes.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar cheese with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Swiss. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of the casserole.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How do I reheat the casserole?
To reheat the casserole, you can use the microwave, stove, or oven. If using the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. For the stove, heat the casserole in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. If using the oven, cover the casserole with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This is a great option for meal prep or when you need to save time on busy days.
Can I use a different type of condensed soup?
Yes, you can use other types of condensed soup such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of broccoli. Choose a soup that complements the flavors of the casserole.
For more recipes like this, try:
Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz pkg frozen broccoli florets
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup onion finely diced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 ¼ cup white long grain rice uncooked
- 2 cups cooked ham diced
- 10 ¾ oz cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- salt/pepper to taste
Ritz Cracker Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed into crumbs
- 2 Tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 cup of rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. If liquid remains in the pot and the rice isn’t fully cooked after 15 minutes, cover and simmer for up to 5 additional minutes.
- Remove from heat and leave the cover on. Let the rice sit for 10 minutes.
- Add in the broccoli, diced ham, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Combine 1/2 cup of Ritz cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Spread over the casserole and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
The recipe is adapted from A Cozy Cook.
