Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice Recipe

If you crave a meal that brings together comfort, convenience, and the savory goodness of baked ham, look no further than Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice. Creamy and cheesy, with nuggets of smoky ham and bites of tender broccoli, this one-pan wonder is the cure for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. It comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients, leaving you with just the right balance of hearty flavors, satisfying textures, and (bonus!) minimal cleanup. Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice is about to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation – and quite possibly your heart.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a smart kind of magic that happens when you bring together just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one shines in its own way, from the creamy base to the salty bite of ham, creating that irresistible finish you crave in Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice.

• Diced cooked ham: The star of the show, it brings savory, smoky flavor to every bite – use leftovers to make weeknight meals extra special.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, this veggie adds color, crunch, and a healthy dose of green goodness to the casserole.
• Cooked rice: White or brown rice both work beautifully to give heartiness and soak up all the creamy, cheesy flavors.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This pantry staple makes the casserole extra creamy without the fuss of a roux – feel free to sub cream of chicken or celery if you prefer.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar pulls everything together – try mixing in a little mozzarella or Swiss for extra pizzazz.
• Milk: Helps to loosen up the soup base, ensuring that creamy texture throughout.
• Onion: Adds a sweet pop of flavor and aroma when sautéed or finely diced.
• Garlic powder: This simple seasoning gives just the right amount of savory depth in every forkful.
• Salt and black pepper: The classic duo for seasoning everything to perfection.
• Butter (optional): Dotting the casserole with a bit of butter adds richness and helps brown the top beautifully.

How to Make Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This not only prevents sticking but makes scooping out those creamy portions a breeze. If you haven’t cooked your rice yet, this is the perfect time to get it going on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

If you’re using fresh broccoli, give the florets a quick blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge them into cold water to keep that vibrant color. This step ensures your broccoli comes out perfectly tender (not soggy or tough). If you’re using frozen florets, just thaw and drain them well.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. This mixture is where the magic begins: it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, binding all the other ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Add the cooked rice, broccoli, diced ham, onion, and half of the shredded cheddar to your creamy mixture. Fold everything together gently so that every spoonful scoops up ham, rice, and broccoli, each coated in that velvety sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar over the top and, if you’d like an even more golden finish, scatter a few small pieces of butter across the cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese on top is gloriously melted and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to make slicing and scooping easy – and to keep those molten cheesy bites just the right temperature.

How to Serve Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

Garnishes

For a pop of color and extra flavor, try sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or chives over the casserole just before serving. A dash of paprika or a grind of black pepper adds a little extra zing and visual appeal, making Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted carrots and parsnips. To soak up every bit of creamy sauce, serve with a hunk of warm, crusty bread or a soft dinner roll on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, serve Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice straight from the baking dish for that rustic, homey feel. Entertaining? Spoon portions into individual ramekins for elegant single servings, or use a biscuit cutter to create neat rounds and plate them with a drizzle of cheese sauce. Kids love it layered into a baked potato or served in edible bread bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to four days, making lunches and second helpings a treat without any extra effort.

Freezing

This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal. Assemble as usual, but skip the baking step. Wrap the dish well with foil and freeze for up to two months. When a busy night strikes, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few minutes if it’s still a bit chilly in the center.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated portions, microwave individual servings until warm, or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. For best texture, add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating to keep things creamy and melty.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey or chicken instead of ham?

Absolutely! Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice is wonderfully flexible. Swap in cooked turkey or chicken for the ham if that’s what you have on hand. The flavors work just as well, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers after a holiday meal.

Can I use brown rice or another grain?

Yes, you can use brown rice, quinoa, or even wild rice in place of white rice. Just make sure your grain is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole so everything bakes evenly and melds together perfectly.

What’s the best way to keep the broccoli crisp?

For the most vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli in Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice, blanch fresh florets just until bright green, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. Thawed frozen broccoli should be patted dry and added right before baking.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Certainly! Omit the ham and add extra veggies like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms. You can also boost the protein by stirring in a can of rinsed white beans or topping with toasted almonds for crunch.

How can I make this casserole gluten free?

Simply use a gluten-free condensed soup (or make your own base) and double-check that your rice, ham, and seasonings are gluten-free. Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice is deliciously allergy-friendly with just a couple of swaps!

Final Thoughts

Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of everything you love about comfort food, baked golden and bubbling. I hope you’ll give this favorite a try the next time you need a cozy, dependable dish that the whole table can rally around. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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