Cheesy Ham & Rice Casserole

Introduction

Busy weeknights call for solutions that don’t skimp on flavor. Cheesy Ham & Rice Casserole offers a comforting blend of creamy cheese, savory ham, and tender rice—all baked together for a one-pan meal that pleases any palate. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its irresistible combination of flavors and its ability to feed a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

Hearty, satisfying, and made mostly from kitchen staples, this casserole is an all-in-one dinner solution, perfect for using up leftover ham or prepping ahead. Get ready for a dish that’s simple, cheesy, and sure to be a repeat request at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham & Rice Casserole

This casserole responds to every comfort-food craving: luscious cheese enrobes chunks of juicy ham and perfectly cooked rice, all crowned with a bubbly golden top. The flavors meld beautifully, resulting in forkfuls that balance salty, creamy, and savory notes harmoniously. With prep under 15 minutes, it’s ideal for quick weeknight meals—reliable, hearty, and always a hit.

Ingredient Prep Tips

For a dish with as much texture as flavor, take a few moments to prep your veggies and ham carefully. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to dice onions, carrots, and celery in seconds, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly. For the ham, a sharp chef’s knife or the aforementioned chopper works wonders.

If you’re using pre-cooked or leftover rice, simply fluff it with a fork before incorporating. If cooking from scratch, rinse your rice well for the best texture. This step prevents sticking and ensures kernels stay separate and tender in the casserole.

Simple Assembly & Baking

Grab a large casserole dish and lightly coat it with olive oil or nonstick spray. In a skillet, sauté your onions, celery, and carrots until they’re soft—the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch is perfect for even heating and easy cleanup. Next, combine cooked vegetables, rice, ham, creamy soup, and cheese. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, top generously with shredded cheese, and cover with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for the first part of baking. This helps the casserole retain moisture before you remove the cover to brown the cheese.

Serving Suggestions & Leftover Lunches

Fresh out of the oven, the casserole pairs perfectly with a bright green salad or steamed veggies. For an easy grab-and-go lunch the next day, portion leftovers into an airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. It reheats beautifully, with rice staying moist and cheese deliciously melty.

Bring a pop of freshness by garnishing with chopped green onions or fresh parsley. This not only adds color but a mild, zesty crunch that lightens the rich casserole.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6 quite generously. Each scoop features roughly 420–500 calories, depending on your choice of cheese and ham. It’s protein-packed and energizing, making it a great family or crowd meal. Feel free to lighten it up by using reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium ham.

Cheesy Ham & Rice Casserole (Recap)

An all-in-one answer to busy nights and hearty appetites, this casserole blends comforting flavors and easy prep. Its flexible ingredient list, minimal effort, and crowd-pleasing results make it a classic you’ll return to again and again.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or line the bottom with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easier cleanup.
2. In a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, ham, sautéed vegetables, condensed soup, milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated—using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for prep can speed this up considerably.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle another 1/2 cup (or more) of shredded cheese over the surface.
5. Cover the casserole with a sheet of parchment paper for the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then remove and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Slice, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and enjoy. Pack leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for perfect reheating later.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy an unbeatable combination of cheesy comfort and savory satisfaction with this easy Cheesy Ham & Rice Casserole tonight!