Ham, Broccoli and Rice Casserole with Cheese Topping
One-dish comfort food combining diced ham, broccoli, and rice bound together with creamy soup and cheese sauce, topped with buttered breadcrumb crust. Mild, savory flavors with hints of garlic make this ideal for weeknight family dinners or potluck gatherings. The casserole format allows easy preparation ahead, and the crispy-topped, creamy interior strikes a satisfying balance between textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 10 oz package frozen broccoli florets
- 2 10 oz cans broccoli cheese soup or cream of broccoli soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup cooked white rice or brown rice
- ¼ cup onion, chopped fine
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup butter, softened
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350F.
- 2
Combine ham, frozen broccoli, broccoli cheese or cream of broccoli soup, milk, cooked rice, onion, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl and mix until blended.
- 3
Spoon mixture into a buttered large casserole dish.
- 4
Microwave butter in a microwave-safe dish in 20-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until completely melted.
- 5
Add breadcrumbs and parmesan to melted butter and blend with a fork until crumbly.
- 6
Sprinkle crumb mixture over casserole.
- 7
Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- 8
Uncover and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until casserole is hot, bubbly, and topping is lightly browned.
- 9
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
Use pre-packaged diced ham to cut prep time significantly, or dice leftover ham in advance.
Stir the butter mixture with a fork to create uniform crumbles for even, even browning on top.
Good to Know
Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Assemble casserole through step 6, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake from cold, adding 5 to 10 minutes to covered baking time.
Serve directly from the casserole dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetable on the side.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the standing time to avoid the casserole collapsing when plated.
Do not overbake uncovered to avoid the top burning before the center heats through.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes. Blanch 3 cups fresh broccoli florets for 2 minutes, drain well, and substitute for frozen. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery, so pat dry after blanching.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325F for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Do not freeze due to texture breakdown in cream-based sauces.
What if I don't have broccoli cheese soup?
Use 2 cans cream of broccoli or cream of chicken soup. Broccoli cheese soup adds more flavor, but plain cream of broccoli works well and allows you to control cheese content.