Ham and Rice Casserole – A Great Leftover Ham Recipe

Ham and Rice Casserole is one of my favorite recipes to make when I have leftover ham from Easter or Christmas. It is a quick and easy to prepare dish that is made entirely on the stove top and requires only 5 simple ingredients.

And after spending hours in the kitchen over the past few days preparing for the holiday, it is a recipe that is a welcome sight in my kitchen. Simply boil the rice and as it cooks, add in broccoli florets and/or frozen peas.

Then stir in the cooked ham and shredded Cheddar cheese and dinner is served! It has become my go-to dinner recipe right after the holidays when I don’t feel like cooking, yet the family is tired of traditional leftovers.

Although, I am the first to admit that I love to eat the leftover slices of ham straight off the plate in the refrigerator. However, I also try to find other, more creative ways to turn the leftovers into something exciting and delicious.

And just like with this recipe, it doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. Instead, dinner is on the table by combining just a few simple ingredients with very little effort.

Cooking Tips

1. Rinse The Rice

You may be tempted to skip rinsing the rice prior to cooking it. However, rinsing it will make a big difference in both taste and texture once it is cooked.

The rinsing helps release any excess starches that coat the rice grains, allowing it to cook to a light and fluffy consistency. Otherwise, you risk the rice in this ham casserole from becoming a sticky mess.

Simply use a fine mesh colander and rinse the grains of rice under cold water until the water beneath runs clear. Then add the drained rice to the saucepan.

And although not absolutely necessary, whenever possible, cook your rice in chicken (or vegetable) stock. It adds so much more flavor to your rice as compared to cooking it in plain water.

2. When To Add The Broccoli or Peas

In order for your broccoli or peas to be perfectly cooked through, they are added midway through the cooking process.

If you add the vegetables too soon, they will become too soft and mushy. However, you don’t want to bite into hard and crunchy pieces either.

So when and how should you add your broccoli or peas to the pot? After about 6 minutes of the rice simmering on low, add the vegetables to the pan.

However, there is no need to stir the vegetables in with the rice. Just place it on top and close the lid. This will allow the broccoli or peas to steam rather than boil, resulting in the perfect consistency when cooked.

Now all that is left to do is to stir in the cheese and leftover ham!

Ham and Rice Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ham Casserole With Instant Rice?

To make this recipe even faster, use Instant Rice. Cook the rice according to package directions and place in a medium serving bowl. Set aside.

While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli or cook the peas just until tender. Add the cooked vegetables to the rice and stir.

Then quickly stir in the cheese and diced ham. Add the ground black pepper and serve immediately.

How Can I Add More Flavor To The Dish?

As written, this recipe is very mild in flavor so that everyone can enjoy the taste. However, it is easy to add more flavor to the Ham & Rice Casserole based on your preferences.

Some of my favorite ways to spice up this recipe is to add red pepper flakes, a dash or two of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of chili paste.

Although, if you don’t like spicy foods, add Sweet Thai Chili sauce or even a teaspoon of Dijon mustard in the mixture. All of the flavors are perfect choices when serving this recipe.

And there you have it, the best Leftover Ham Casserole with Rice! An easy stove top recipe that is on the table in less than 30 minutes!

Ham and Rice Casserole Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth, low-sodium
• 1 cup Long Grain White Rice, dry
• Fresh Broccoli Florets, small pieces (or frozen peas)
• 1 ½ cups of Chopped Ham, cooked
• 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making this Ham Casserole recipe is to prepare the rice. In a fine-mesh colander, rinse the rice until the water underneath turns clear.

Be sure to move the grains of rice around with your hand so that the rice on the lower surface can be rinsed as well. Removing the starch will help the rice cook without sticking in clumps.

Once the rice has been rinsed, allow it to drain in the colander. Then, in a medium size sauce pan add the rinsed and drained rice and chicken broth. Stir and turn the heat to medium-high.

Bring the liquid to a simmer. Then turn the heat down to the lowest setting and place a lid on top to maintain a very low simmer for 6 minutes.

Then add the fresh broccoli florets or frozen peas on top of the rice but do not stir. Place the lid back on the pot.

Turn the heat to medium and keep the broth at a light simmer. Cook for 9-10 more minutes until the rice and broccoli are cooked through and tender.

Turn the heat source off, but keep the saucepan on the warm burner. Then add the shredded Cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted.

Once the cheese is melted, stir in the ham. Cover and let the ham casserole sit until the rice mixture warms the chunks of ham. Serve immediately.

Other Leftover Ham Recipes

As much as I enjoy this ham and rice casserole, if you are stuck with a lot of leftover ham, you may need a few more recipe ideas. Below I have listed some of my favorite recipes that will help you use the remaining Holiday Ham:

• Ham and Corn Chowder
• Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
• Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
• Ham and Potato Casserole For Two
• Split Pea Soup
• Potato & Ham Soup
• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
• Instant Pot Ham Casserole
• Teriyaki Ham Stir Fry
• Old Fashioned Ham Spread
• Ham and Cheese Sliders

As you can see, there are several delicious recipes that will help you use your leftover ham. But there is none easier, or made quicker than this casserole recipe!

Enjoy! Mary

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