Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice Recipe

We are preparing a wonderful casserole that consists of ham, tender broccoli, and rice all covered in a creamy cheese sauce. This ham casserole recipe is perfect for leftover ham. The entire family will appreciate how thick and hearty it’s going to be.

This meal includes delicious ham and cheese sauce with added broccoli. You also get all the nutritional benefits of the broccoli too! It will surely be a hit in your family, whether you serve this as an entree or a side dish.

Key Takeaways

• Hearty and comforting ham casserole with broccoli and rice
• Perfect for using up leftover ham
• Creamy cheese sauce adds richness and flavor
• Family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare
• Versatile as a main dish or side

The Perfect Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice Recipe

Preparing this ham, broccoli, and rice casserole is a snap! This one dish meal provides a balanced dinner for your family and is sure to be a hit!

Why This Recipe Works

This is one of the simplest casseroles to prepare. The combination of ingredients is excellent, and the ham, broccoli, and rice trio makes for a perfect family one-dish meal.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• A large casserole dish or baking pan
• A mixing bowl for preparing the cheese sauce
• A pot for cooking the rice
• A cutting board and chef’s knife for prepping the broccoli

Time and Serving Size

This casserole recipe is very simple to follow. Since it takes less than one hour to prepare and cook (and the cooking time is only 30 minutes), this recipe is very quick and easy to do. And since this recipe serves 6 to 8 people, it’s ideal for family-style dining or \”one-dish meals\” that are sure to please the crowd.

My ham casserole really helps me save time throughout the week. “I can’t believe how good it is and how easy it is to make!” “This is a staple in my house.”

– Sarah, home cook

Essential Ingredients for Your Ham and Rice Casserole

The best part about this classic recipe is that it can be adapted to suit your tastes while incorporating all the comforting flavors. Let’s look at some of the important components that make this casserole so delicious.

The Casserole Base

Let’s examine a few key elements of this recipe.

• Cooked ham, diced or cubed (approximately 2 cups)
• Uncooked white rice (2 cups)
• Broccoli florets (3 cups)

The Creamy Cheese Sauce

These ingredients will add creaminess to the casserole and help bind everything together:

• Butter (4 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (4 tablespoons)
• Milk (2 cups)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Seasonings

You could consider the following if you want to make the flavors distinct.

• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
• Dried parsley (1 tablespoon)

Using these ingredients, you can make a ham and rice casserole that will wow your friends and family.

Preparing Your Fresh Broccoli and Rice Base

Ham casserole recipes often begin with broccoli and rice. Using a few simple tips can improve both the texture and flavor of the casserole.

Proper Rice Cooking Techniques

To make rice light and fluffy, with separated grains, you can rinse the rice to get rid of excess starch. Then let it cook for 20 minutes on a simmer (this is done according to a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio). And when you are done, make sure to use a fork to fluff the rice before you mix it in with the casserole.

Broccoli Preparation Tips

• Trim the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, leaving a small amount of the stem attached for added texture.
• Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften it slightly and preserve its vibrant green color.
• Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain and pat dry.

Pre-cooking Steps

Cooking the casserole requires you to cook the broccoli and rice first as you will need those to layer with the other ingredients. Once the broccoli and rice are done, you can make the creamy cheese sauce for the dish that will hold everything together.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

The best part of your ham casserole with rice and broccoli can be improved by \e{making your own cheese sauce}. Learning how to make a roux-based sauce means you can create an incredibly creamy casserole base that will blend all the tastes beautifully.

To start, get a pot, place it on the stove, and adjust the heat to medium. Add some butter to the pot and let it melt. While waiting for the butter to melt, grab some all purpose flour. Level out some flour so that it is the same level as the butter. Then, pour the flour into the pot to create a roux. While you’re doing this, continue stirring the mixture of butter and flour so that it thickens. Stir for about 2-3 minutes so that it develops a nice nutty aroma.

1. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to a velvety consistency.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

One of the most important things when making the cheese sauce is the time and attention it takes. Mastering the technique of making a perfect roux and slowly adding the cheese creates a rich and creamy casserole base that will elevate your ham and rice casserole.

A great casserole needs a great sauce! With this cheese sauce, your casserole is going to be a winner!

Layering Your Casserole Components

An interesting and fun aspect of making an excellent ham casserole with broccoli and rice is how the different elements of the casserole are layered. By changing how the individual elements are layered, a variety of different flavours and textures are created. Let’s look at some of the main considerations when it comes to layering the casserole.

Bottom Layer Essentials

In a casserole, the first layer should be a good amount of cooked rice. As you layer the ingredients, make sure the rice is evenly spread so that it covers the entire base of the dish. This will ensure that the other layers have support.

Middle Layer Assembly

Next, layer some ham. Make sure you cover all of the ham so that it is visible. Add some more fresh chopped broccoli florets. Spread out the broccoli more, and it will help to increase the area of the broccoli that is exposed for cooking and flavor absorption.

Top Layer Perfection

Even coverage of the cheese on the broccoli and ham is probably the most important. If you have any cheese sauce left over, you can pour some on top and it will criple and bubble and turn golden brown.

By using these layering tips, the ingredients will be evenly distributed throughout the dish, and every mouthful of the casserole will be a harmonious blend of the differing tastes and textures. Your friends and family will be astonished by your fantastic casserole with ham, broccoli, and rice!

Baking Instructions and Temperature Guide

We have simple guidelines for baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and fully heat the ham casserole with broccoli and rice. Allow us to give you steps to construct a casserole that is sure to impress.

Preheating the Oven

To make sure all the ingredients in the casserole are fully cooked and a golden-brown crust forms on top, set your oven for 375 degrees Fahrenheit (or 190 degrees Celsius).

Baking Time

1. Once your oven has reached the desired temperature, carefully transfer the prepared casserole dish to the center rack.
2. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the edges are bubbling.
3. To ensure the casserole is heated through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the center.

Visual Cues for Doneness

• Look for the edges of the casserole to be bubbling and the top to be golden-brown and crispy.
• The rice should be tender and the broccoli should be cooked through but still vibrant in color.
• When you insert a fork into the center of the casserole, it should pass through easily, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Because time and temperature can drastically change from oven to oven, make sure to keep an eye on your casserole as it begins to finish. A perfect oven temperature and bake time will yield a beautifully golden brown casserole crust.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

To maximize the enjoyment of your ham casserole with broccoli and rice leftovers, proper storage and reheating techniques are essential. Tips for storing, freezing, and reheating are outlined below.

Refrigeration Tips

For short-term storage, your leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To improve the quality of the casserole, you can preserve it in an airtight container, or you can cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezing Methods

You should freeze your leftover casserole storage as soon as the casserole has finished cooling. Then, do your leftover casserole storage by dividing the casserole into single or multiple servings, and putting them into airtight containers or bags that are freezer safe. Casseroles can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. If they are frozen properly, the flavors will remain and the casserole will not get freezer burn.

Reheating Instructions

You can reheat your leftover food in a lot of different ways:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot.
• Stovetop: Transfer the casserole to a saucepan and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

Check to see that the casserole is at a safe serving temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or 74 degrees Celsius) before serving.

You can still enjoy the ham casserole with broccoli and rice! Just follow these simple storage and reheating instructions!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

You can use different substitutions and modifications for your ham and rice casserole to make it fit your other dietary restrictions. This flexible recipe gives you the freedom to use leftover ingredients and/or adapt to different dietary restrictions.

For *casserole adaptations*, your choice of ham could also be cooked chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute. As for broccoli, you can substitute it with other nutritious vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or a combination of roasted veggies. You can also experiment with different flavors by swapping the cheese(s) for gruyere & cheddar, or any other combination of cheeses that melt nicely.

Looking for a vegetarian option? Just remove the ham and you’ll have a dish that is meat-less. You can add more vegetables if you want, and if you want to add some protein you can add some beans or lentils to the mix. Is it gluten free? You can use gluten free crushed cookies or breadcrumbs for the topping and use gluten free pasta or rice.

There are many ways to modify this recipe! You can adjust the ingredients in this classic ham casserole in order to accommodate the tastes and dietary requirements of your family.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Notes

An excellent meal option is a casserole since it is usually very filling. Our mouthwatering Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice recipe offers a protein-rich dinner that nourishes both body and soul.

The casserole has 450 calories, and it great macros, with 35 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbs, and 18 grams of fat. It is loaded with lean ham, broccoli, and whole grain rice. This hearty dish is perfect for a meal on the go and offers a superb option for your nutritious meal planning. It will complement your healthy, balanced diet.

You can also adapt this casserole recipe to fit your dietary needs. If you want to swap out the ham for something that has more protein, use grilled chicken or grilled tofu. For more fiber, pick brown rice or quinoa. Lastly, using cheese that is lower in fat will lower the total fat and calories.

This casserole can be made any day of the week since it is quick and easy to prepare, while still being nutritious and healthy.

Your favorite casseroles and balanced meals have better nutrition by using ingredients that go hand in hand with your healthy living.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

Your scrumptious ham casserole looks great next to the dish with rice and broccoli and the salad. A salad with a light dressing can provide that nice crunchy contrast to the casserole! Good salad equals good meal!

For a heartier side, roasted or steamed vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus make an excellent accompaniment. The casserole’s natural tenderness and sweetness pair nicely with the dish’s warmth and richness. You can dip crusty bread, warm bread, or soft dinner rolls in the creamy cheese sauce.

These casserole ideas will help you plan sides or complete meals for your family reunion or even for an easy weeknight dinner. Your guests will surely leave the table recharged!

Nathaniel Lee

Nathaniel Lee is the self-taught chef and recipe developer behind HomeViable. No culinary school, no nutrition degree. He learned by watching, tasting, and refusing to stop asking why. Every recipe here teaches something. He wants you to understand your food, not just cook it.