Best Ham Casserole Recipe

Posted on January 4, 2026 · [Elisa]

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If you’re craving a comforting and filling dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner, look no further than Ham Casserole. This hearty casserole combines tender rice, savory ham, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted cheese and a crispy Ritz cracker crust. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

This Ham Casserole recipe is ideal for using up leftover ham, making it an excellent choice for post-holiday meals or any time you need a comforting dinner. The best part? It comes together in one pot and requires minimal prep, so you can focus on enjoying your meal rather than spending all day in the kitchen.

For more hearty and comforting casseroles, consider trying a Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole or a Cabbage Casserole, both of which are also full of flavor and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Ham Casserole

One-Pot Cooking: All the ingredients are prepared in one pot before being transferred to a casserole dish for baking, making cleanup a breeze.
Comfort Food Classic: With a creamy base, gooey cheddar cheese, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, this casserole offers all the cozy flavors you crave.
Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover ham from a holiday feast, this casserole is a great way to repurpose it into a delicious new meal.
Quick and Easy: With only a few simple steps, you can have this casserole ready in less than an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.

If you’re a fan of casseroles and comfort foods, you might also enjoy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli or Savory Bacon Dutch Baby for another filling and flavorful dish.

Ingredients Breakdown For Ham Casserole

This Ham Casserole is made with everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: To sauté the onions and add richness to the casserole.
½ cup yellow onion, finely diced: Onion adds savory sweetness to the casserole base.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to help cook the rice and onions.
2 ½ cups chicken broth, low sodium: The liquid used to cook the rice and infuse the dish with flavor.
1 ¼ cup white long grain rice, uncooked: The base of the casserole, giving it texture and heartiness.
2 cups cooked ham, diced: The main protein of the dish, adding savory, meaty flavor.
2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and a nutritious boost to the casserole.
10.75 oz. cream of chicken soup: Provides a creamy, rich base for the casserole.
½ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to balance the richness of the soup.
¾ cup milk: Helps thin the mixture and makes the sauce smooth.
2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Half goes into the casserole for creaminess and flavor, and the other half creates a gooey, cheesy topping.
Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the casserole and bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Ritz Cracker Topping:

1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs: Adds a crunchy, buttery topping to the casserole.
2 tablespoons butter, melted: To help the cracker crumbs brown and become crisp during baking.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to make a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s packed with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Ham Casserole

This Ham Casserole is quick and easy to make. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re softened.

Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked rice to the saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan tightly and cook for about 8 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Broccoli

After the initial 8 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the rice mixture. Cover the pot again and cook for another 7 minutes without stirring. If the rice isn’t fully cooked and there’s still liquid in the pot, cover it and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is cooked through.

Step 3: Let the Rice Sit

Once the rice is done cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit with the cover on for 10 minutes. This will help any remaining rice at the bottom release and fully cook.

Step 4: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

After the rice has rested, add the diced ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and well-coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Transfer to a Casserole Dish

Lightly grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish and transfer the rice and ham mixture into it. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese to create a gooey, cheesy top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot.

Step 7: Add the Ritz Cracker Topping

While the casserole is baking, prepare the Ritz cracker topping. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated in butter.

After the casserole has baked for 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is finished baking, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, cheesy casserole with a side salad or your favorite vegetable.

Tips for the Perfect Ham Casserole

To make sure your Ham Casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few tips:

Use leftover ham: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal. If you don’t have leftover ham, you can use deli ham or even a ham steak.
Don’t overcook the rice: The rice should cook until it’s just tender. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking or burning.
Add extra veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even corn to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes of baking time if you’re starting from cold.

For another quick and satisfying casserole, try making Loaded Breakfast Sweet Potatoes or a Vegetable Bolognese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the rice fully: Be sure to check the rice after it’s simmered and make sure it’s fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.
Not using enough cheese: The cheese is an essential part of the casserole, both for flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on it!
Overbaking the casserole: Make sure you don’t overbake the casserole after adding the cracker topping. The top should be golden brown and crispy but not burnt.

Serving Suggestions

This Ham Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Light salad: A simple apple-cranberry coleslaw or a green salad offers a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetable pasta or garlic Parmesan sweet potato wedges complement the casserole and add more texture and flavor.
Garlic bread: Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storing and Leftovers

Leftover Ham Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for convenience.

This casserole also freezes well. To freeze, store the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ham Casserole

Can I make this Ham Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it may require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the cooking process accordingly.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Hearty Meal

This Ham Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making it a hit with both adults and kids alike. It’s easy to make, customizable, and an excellent way to use up leftover ham. With its rich, comforting ingredients and crispy Ritz cracker topping, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection.

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