I recently discovered a clever way to rejuvenate leftover ham in my favorite Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole. I combined tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice with a rich blend of cheeses and creamy soups to create a dish that truly surprises with every bite.

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I’m super excited to share my newest twist on a ham casserole. I started this recipe when I had some leftover ham and wanted to mix it with hearty ingredients like 2 cups of cooked white rice and 1 1/2 cups of diced ham.

I also tossed in 1 1/2 cups of cooked chicken and 2 cups of lightly steamed broccoli florets to give it that extra flavor punch. Stirring in one can of cream of chicken soup and one can of cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of sour cream made the sauce rich and creamy, while a cup of shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese brought in that irresistible cheesy vibe.

I even added a diced small onion, garlic, and a pinch of dried thyme along with salt and pepper to taste. This dish is perfect for tweaking with different veggies and works amazingly well as a freezer meal too so give it a try!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this ham casserole recipe for a bunch of reasons. First off, it’s an awesome way to use up leftovers—it’s like a delicious reinvention of ham and chicken with a cheesy twist. I get major satisfaction from mixing together the creamy soups with the milk and sour cream, which makes the whole dish feel super comforting and full of flavor. Plus, the veggies like broccoli and onions not only boost the taste but also add a bit of healthy crunch to every bite.

Another thing I like is how versatile it is. I mean, if I’m not in the mood for broccoli, I can throw in another vegetable or even more meat without messing up the whole thing. It feels like a solid base for experimentation, and that’s pretty cool for someone who likes to mix it up in the kitchen.

Lastly, it’s a total freezer meal hero. I can make it ahead, pop it in the freezer, and then heat it up later without any hassle. It always came out great, and I really appreciate that I don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. Overall, it’s a simple, hearty meal that turns leftovers into a winning dinner every time.

Ingredients

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White rice gives energy-packed carbohydrates that form the light base of the dish.
Ham provides lots of protein and a salty, savory punch to the casserole.
Chicken offers lean protein, helping to boost the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
Broccoli is full of fiber and vitamins which make it a healthy, crunchy addition.
Cheddar cheese melts smoothly, adding a rich, gooey texture that everyone loves.
Onion and garlic add a strong, tasty aroma and a bit of sweetness when cooked.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups cooked white rice

1 1/2 cups diced leftover ham

1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.

2. In a big bowl, mix the rice, diced leftover ham, cooked chicken, and lightly steamed broccoli florets until they are evenly distributed.

3. Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme then season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. In another bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until it’s all smooth.

5. Pour the soup mixture over the rice and meat mixture and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

6. Make sure all ingredients are well combined; this will help every bite be super flavorful.

7. Transfer the whole mixture into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing out the top so it bakes evenly.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to bubble and the casserole is heated through.

9. Once finished, let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.

Equipment Needed

1. Your oven set to 350°F and a 9×13 casserole dish that you can lightly grease
2. A big mixing bowl to toss the rice, ham, chicken and broccoli together
3. A separate bowl for mixing the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk and sour cream
4. Measuring cups and spoons for the right amounts
5. A knife and cutting board to dice the onion and mince the garlic
6. A stirring spoon or spatula to combine and mix all the ingredients evenly
7. Oven mitts to safely handle the hot casserole dish when it’s done

FAQ

Can I use other veggies besides broccoli?

Yup, you can swap the broccoli with green beans, peas, or even carrots if you prefer. It might change up the flavor a bit but it'll still be tasty.

Do I have to use leftover ham?

Not at all. Fresh ham works just fine too. But if you have some leftover ham lying around, it's a great way to use it up.

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Sure thing. You can put it together a day ahead and just pop it in the oven when you're ready. Just keep the cheese separate until the last 10 minutes if you want it extra melty.

What temperature and how long should I bake it?

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake it for about 25 to 30 minutes until it's all bubbly around the edges.

Ham Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the 2 cups cooked white rice, you could swap it with brown rice or even quinoa, which gives a nuttier flavor and extra bite.
If you dont have leftover ham then try using cooked bacon or turkey sausage, they add a nice smoky twist.
Instead of the cooked chicken, you might use extra ham or even tofu for a different protein kick.
For the cream of chicken soup, you could mix up some homemade creamy chicken broth with a bit of flour, or use cream of celery soup if that’s on hand.
Instead of cream of mushroom soup, sautéed mushrooms mixed with heavy cream or a bit of sour cream can really add some rich depth to the dish.

Pro Tips

1. When cookin your onions and garlic, try sautéeing them in a little butter before adding em in to boost the flavor even more. It’ll make ’em sweeter and give the dish a richer taste.
2. If your mixture seems too thick or too runny, don’t be afraid to tweak it. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick or let it bubble a bit more on the stove to simmer off extra liquid before baking.
3. Let the casserole cool a bit after it comes out of the oven. Even a few minutes can help all the flavors blend better and prevent it from fallin apart when you cut it.
4. Feel free to experiment with the cheese. While cheddar and mozzarella are great, tossing in a little parmesan or even your fave melting cheese can totally change up the flavor in a good way.