If you’re looking for some new recipes to use up that leftover ham, boy do I have a delicious dinner option for you.
This Cheesy Leftover Ham and Rice Casserole is so easy to make: all you do is toss everything together and bake!
You know I super-dooper love casseroles.
Is that weird?
I especially love it when casserole recipes are as easy as this one. I had some leftover Ham and a bunch of uncooked rice in my pantry and this cheesy concoction came together.
I used the basic idea from the classic Campbell’s chicken and rice casserole, but tweaked it slightly.
Instead of cream of chicken soup, I used their cheddar soup. So not only does this casserole get topped with cheese, but the rice, ham and broccoli are also cooked in a cheesy soup mixture. It’s basically a cheese-lover’s dream.
And we all know how good cheese is for you! 🙂 (It’s all those nutrients from the milk)
No worries if you’re not a fan of Ham. This recipe is easily adaptable to be made with leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken.
You can add in sliced carrots, peas, cauliflower… basically, go crazy with it. Make it your own.
But first… definitely try out this ham, rice and broccoli combo. It’s killer.
It’s one of those comfort food recipes that you’ll be making over and over again.
My whole family loved this. I know yours will too!
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UPDATED RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS:
When you’re done baking the casserole for 60 minutes, there will be a layer of liquid on the top. This does NOT mean that the rice did not get cooked through. Simply remove the casserole from the oven, give it a good stir to mix in the liquid and fluff the rice. Top with cheese and finish baking.
Cheesy Leftover Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 20 oz Cheese Soup , found by the cream soups
- 2⅔ cups water
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Jasmine rice, uncooked
- 3 cups broccoli florets, I used fresh, but you could substitute with frozen
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 1 cup colby jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl whisk together the soup, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the rice, broccoli and ham.
- Pour mixture into a 9"x13" casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender. THE CASSEROLE WILL LOOK WATERY, BUT IT WILL BE COOKED! Stir the casserole to fluff the rice, then top with the shredded cheese. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!
Weekly Menu Plan #19
Jamie Slade
It took 90 min in the oven . Didn’t get to try it because it wasn’t done in time . Maybe tomorrow we will have it as left overs .. I’ll let you know how it tastes then .
Destiny
It was a hit for my family!
Kari
After reading all the reviews I used Jasmine rice, Campbells Cheddar Cheese Soup and fresh broccoli with leftover Easter ham. I used a glass 9×13 pan and sealed it with large tin foil to make sure it was completely covered tight. Stirred it well after baking an hour before topping it with shredded Colby Jack and putting it back, uncovered, in the oven for seven minutes. I wound up letting it sit for ten minutes, covered, before serving, and thought I might do that again. The rice was cooked perfectly and it looked just like the photo! Not sure why people had problems, maybe altitude (I live in Texas), using different rice, or not letting the oven preheat? The only change I might make is to use half of the Italian seasoning, may just be my store bought brand but it was a little strong for me. I thought the reviewers that suggested using Hidden Valley seasoning or onion powder instead had good ideas. Overall it was tasty and my husband and I both liked it. I would make it again!
Shawn
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Kari!
Wayne Reeder
Great review. Especially since You made it ‼️
Holly
this recipe was okay, not my favorite from this site, probably won’t make again
Susan
At what point in the recipe can this be frozen?
Shawn
After it’s been cooked and cooled, you may freeze it.
Amy
This recipe was quick, easy, and turned out as shown. I don’t have canned soups, so I made an equivalent amount of cheese sauce. I didn’t have broccoli, so I subbed fresh asparagus and red bell pepper. I cooked this for 55 minutes in a glass pyrex, and the rice (I used regular, uncooked rice) was really soft; too soft for my preference actually. I had leftover ham from Easter, but I didn’t want it cooking along with the other ingredients, so when I pulled the pan out of the oven after 55 min., I added in the ham. I did not cover the dish at any point. This was a standard “American” casserole.
Shawn
I’m glad you were able to make this recipe work with what you had on hand. Next time, I would recommend trying it as written and see if you enjoy it a little more? Thanks for your comment Amy!
Jonnelleoh
Cooked as directed and rice wasn’t cooked. :-/ seems like I’m not the only one having this problem. This isn’t user error as the instructions were super basic and easy to follow.
Sarah S.
This was fantastic! I had no issues and I used brown instant rice. It fits with my lifestyle better and it was perfect. I was upset that I didn’t have any cheddar soup but I used cream of chicken and it was good. I did stir in a cup of cheddar to balance out not having the cheese soup but didn’t do that until I stirred the rice. Next time I’m springing for the cheddar cheese soup though. I will be making this again. Use the foil for an hr people! Tight! Like a tiger
Shawn
That’s great to hear Sarah! Thank you for commenting and letting us know how you enjoyed it!
Kris
Really bad looks nothing like photo what a waste of ingredients and I can cook
Shawn
I’m so sorry you didn’t have great results with this recipe Kris. I’ve never had an issue with this recipe, but some people just can’t seem to get it right? If you’d like to email me (shawn@iwashyoudry.com) we can try to troubleshoot what might have gone wrong?
Tasha
Tried this for the first time this evening. I followed the instructions as posted, and it turned out great!
I cooked in a 9×13 glass dish. Not sure if that matters. It was yummy! I plan on adding a little onion powder or diced onions next time though.
Shawn
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’m not sure if the glass dish matters, as I’ve made it in both glass and ceramic and both have worked each time too?
Jessica
Just made it and came out of the oven. Just love making quick easy casseroles.
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed the casserole Jessica!
nancy
Only one of two meals I have ever made (I am 72) that I threw out. Terrible. Used fresh broccoli and 2 cans cheese soup, minute rice.
Shawn
Hi Nancy, I’m so sorry you didn’t have a good turnout with this recipe. The recipe actually calls for a long grain rice, NOT minute rice. I’m guessing this was the issue as the two rice take different amounts of water to prepare.
Eva
I made this for dinner last night…My hubby and I enjoyed it! Due to on-hand ingredients, I used regular white rice and frozen broccoli (not thawed). It turned out perfectly! Since it’s just the two of us, I also halved all measurements. This recipe is a yummy use for leftover ham!
Shawn
That’s so great to hear Eva! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Tara Shafiee
Can you use basmati rice? Or would regular white be better if I don’t have jasmine…
Shawn
Basmati should work as well.
Helen D
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! I love casseroles like this. I wonder if some people are having problems because they’re using frozen veggies and not thawing them first? I used the frozen veggies I had on hand, along with Jasmine rice, and it was perfect after 50 minutes. Yummy!!
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Helen!
Paige
I think this recipe needs to use Minute Maid rice. The rice you suggest doesn’t cook all the way. We even cooked it longer than directed. Also, I would suggest adding in some jalapeños and tomatoes.
Shawn
No, you definitely do not need to use Minute Rice on this recipe, if you did you would need to adjust the amount of liquid used too. The recipe works as written, you just need to make sure you follow the directions. 🙂
Michele Granados
I wish I would have looked at the comments before making this dish. One hour was not enough for me either. I left it in for 20 more minutes and still not enough for the rice to cook. I live in Texas. Not sure if location makes a difference in heating. Family starving and food still cooking.
Shawn
I’m so sorry you’re having an issue with the rice not cooking. Could you let me know where you’re located? Is it at a higher elevation? This could be a reason for the rice taking longer to cook than normal.
Anne K McCombs
Me too!! I just made it, followed the instructions, and the rice came out uncooked. 🙁 I put it in the oven for an extra 15 – still not cooked. It’s now in the oven for another 15 minutes, but I don’t think it’ll be done. Must’ve been the frozen broccoli…..
At any rate, we ordered pizza and everyone is starving. :/
Edwina
I made this recipe using leftover ham and it was delicious. The rice cooked perfectly and we really enjoyed the meal. It was cheesy and delicious and we all enjoyed it. I’ll be making it again soon. (while I’m writing this comment there’s a video playing on your site of a pumpkin pie recipe and now I really want pumpkin pie!! It’s so distracting, in a good way!)
Shawn
Fantastic! I’m so glad you enjoyed it Edwina! 🙂
Katie Barclay
Mines in the oven right now!
No substitutions
So excited to try this with my family tonight!
Shawn
Hope you enjoyed it Katie!
SHARON CURTIS
Haven’t made this yet, but I really like your website. Is there a place where I can see People’s comments? Sometimes the recipes need to be Tweaked, & I would like to know how it turned out for others.
Thanks.
I just read the comments, & I too am wondering if I should use partly Milk. Would this ruin it?
Shawn
You can definitely use part milk in place of the water. It’ll make it extra creamy and delicious!
Rebecca Cribbs
Made this last night and it was delicious! I have already shared it with 3 people. I couldn’t find the cheese soup so I used the broccoli cheese soup instead. Also, didn’t have Italian seasoning so I substituted it for 1/4 teaspoon hidden valley ranch seasoning. Despite reading some of the comments about the rice being undercooked I didn’t have any issues with it and thought the rice was cooked perfectly! I did use Jasmine rice and made sure I sealed the casserole dish as tight as possible with foil.
Shawn
Love the simple modifications you made here, Rebecca. Thanks for sharing your results, I’m so glad you enjoyed the casserole!
Kay
I had the same issue as others here. The rice did not cook. The recipe looked great but unfortunately it just didn’t come together.
Mary
I only had one can of cheese soup so used a can of cream of mushroom with that and added sharp cheddar bc that was what I had. Loved it!
Shawn
That’s awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Mary Martin
I didn’t have cheese soup on hand, so used 1 cream of celery and 1 cream of chicken. It was wonderful! I also stirred some cheddar in with the rice mix. My husband loved it! I will say I had to leave it in the oven about 15 minutes longer before putting cheese the cheese on top in order for all the rice to be done. But I stirred the outside edges which were cooking well, to the center where it was not bubbling and water standing as stated in the recipe. The extra 15 minutes without the foil, did the trick. Melted the cheese on top after that and it was yummy!! Maybe the prior reviewers didn’t stir the middle to the outside to even up the cooking? I will keep this one handy for the future.
Shawn
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Mary! The creamy of celery and cream of chicken sound like great substitutes!
Anne D
Update – rice was perfect and my husband loved it.
Shawn
Fantastic! So glad you enjoyed the recipe Anne!
Anne D
I am making this now. I subbed homemade cheese sauce (bechamel + shredded cheese) for the soup and I added some green onion for flavor. I just put it in the oven so I’m crossing my fingers the rice cooks completely! I did cover it tightly with heavy duty foil.
Kylie Ibarra
Can this be frozen for future meals?
Shawn
Definitely!
Randa Robison
It was ok but next time I will not use Italian seasoning. I think real garlic and onions and marjoram and thyme would be better.
Randa Robison
I used instant jasmine rice and subbed 1 can of cream of chicken soup for…another can of cheese soup
..what I had…. am waiting to see what happens! Used frozen brocolli. I’ll let ya know!
Gloria Malo
I made this tonight. I used cream of chicken soup because that is what I had on hand. I did not have Colby cheese so I shred some cheddar I had. So, so delicious. I used jasmine rice and it took 60 minutes. My daughter thought it had too much garlic no one else complained.
Emily
Ended up needing more like an hour and half. But turned out well. Changed a few things – used brown rice instead of jasmine, and used cream of chicken bc that’s what I had on hand. Pretty tasty and easy casserole!
Shawn
Brown rice does take longer to cook than Jasmine rice. I’m glad you enjoyed the flavors!
Emily Mihocko-Bowling
After an hour the rice was hard and it was watery like soup. I’m going to leave it in the oven longer and see how it goes. I used brown rice instead of jasmine rice and I’m wondering if that is why…
Erica
Easy and a good way to use up extra ham. I had no trouble at all with the rice being cooked, it was cooked all the way through in an hour.
Sharelle
Currently pregnant and due with baby #1 in the next couple of weeks. I’m making some freezer meals to have on hand for after she’s born. If I want to turn this into a freezer meal would you recommend baking first and then freezing or mixing all ingredients into a freezer bag with the baking directions on it for later baking?
Christine
I made this for my in-laws with leftover Christmas ham (and homemade cheese soup – found that recipe on Taste of Home – because I didn’t want to go to the store). It was so good! It got devoured and my brother in law asked for the recipe! I did sub peas for broccoli because that’s what I had on hand. I still didn’t want to go to the store. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Olivia
The meal was really good when I baked it for 1 hr and 45 minutes. Prior to that the rice was hard and it was like soup. I almost gave up and put in a pizza, but I’m glad that I didn’t. I’ll just make sure that I start it sooner next time.
Connie
What is jasmine rice
Dwight
Just a name btand rice. Like uncle bens.
Jessica Paxton
Jasmine rice is not a brand… it is a type of grain. You should find it easily labeled in the rice shelves
M
This was a total fail for me. It’s like soup with crunchy rice.
BobbieJo
Followed this recipe exactly as it says, even used jasmine rice, an hour in the oven and still rice is hard as uncooked rice…turned temp up to 375 and added 45 more minutes.
Please added to your recipe notes that this recipe can take longer than an hour to cook…this could actually be a great crock pot recipe for a family to walk away from for hours so that the rice can cook.
Shawn
Honestly, I’m so confused why there are a few people having issues with their rice cooking? I make this all the time and never have an issue. I wonder if it has something to do with the type of casserole dish used? A thicker dish would be more insulated and take longer, while a glass or metal dish would probably be quicker to heat. I’ll have to test it with a few different pans to see.
John N Butz
I used a foil pan and it took an hour and a half to cook the rice. If I were to do it again I’d partially cook the rice first if I really wanted it to only take an hour.
and, although it was ok, I found it very bland for my taste, so I’d probably add some sauteed onion and actual garlic rather than just garlic powder. Maybe some kind of mild chili too. It seems like a good ‘mother recipe’ you can really play around with
Kim
Are y’all sealing the pan with foil,
Shawn
Yes, you want to seal the pan with foil when cooking.
Caroline Frei
I used quick cook white rice and leftover Christmas Ham. I also subbed 1 can of cheese soup for cream of chicken. I only changed it because I had to use what I have. This was wonderful and a huge hit! My kids whine about my dinners most nights this time the kids loved it. Thank you! Maybe it’s the lovely weather we share here in Southern Utah. Go Ivins!
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! And yes, Southern Utah weather is amazing!!