Ham is a juicy, meaty component of various dishes from all over the globe, and ham casserole is one of the most mouth-watering ways to enjoy this delectable food. Though the ingredients and cooking methods may vary depending on the culture, all recipes for this dish have one thing in common – they are delicious!

This particular ham casserole recipe is a favorite in my household. It always disappears quickly whenever I make it. Not only is this casserole scrumptious, but it’s also easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some quick cooking, you’ll have a tasty meal that the whole family will love on special occasions like holidays — or any night of the week!

What Is Ham Casserole?

To understand what a ham casserole is, it’s important to first understand what a casserole is. There are many different types of casseroles, but in order to be considered a true casserole, a dish has to have these five components:

1. Protein (e.g., meat, eggs, beans)
2. Grain that holds the fillings together (e.g., rice or pasta)
3. Dairy element (e.g., milk, cheese or sour cream) or creamy non-dairy alternative
4. “Binder” to thicken the dish (e.g., flour or breadcrumbs)
5. A vegetable (optional, but it adds nutrients and flavor)

Now that we know the key components, we can better understand what ham casserole is. Ham casserole is simply a casserole that contains ham as the protein.

Ham Casserole

Ham is a juicy, meaty component of various dishes from all over the globe, and ham casserole is one of the most mouth-watering ways to enjoy this delectable food. Though the ingredients and cooking methods may vary depending on the culture, all recipes for this dish have one thing in common – they are delicious!

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Prep Time 45 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 5 people

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

For Casserole:

• 2½ cups Cooked ham
• 2 cups Broccoli florets
• 1 cup Cream of chicken soup
• 2½ cups Chicken broth
• 1½ cups Uncooked white rice
• 1 Tbsp Olive oil
• ⅓ cups Diced yellow onions
• ½ cups Sour cream
• ½ cups Milk
• 2½ cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper

For Crumb Top:

• ½ cups Panko bread crumbs
• 3 Tbsp Melted butter

Instructions

 

Step 1:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
• Melt butter and olive oil over medium heat in a big pot or Dutch oven.
• Add onions and cook until translucent.

Step 2:

• Stir in ham, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth and uncooked rice. Bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover your pot, and let it simmer for around 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.

Step 3:

• Remove the pot from heat and stir in sour cream, milk and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4:

• Pour ham and broccoli casserole into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cup of shredded cheese and panko bread crumbs.
• Drizzle melted butter over the top.

Step 5:

• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until you see that the cheese is bubbly and melted and the bread crumbs are golden brown.

Keyword ham and cheese casserole, ham casserole, honeybaked ham

Tips & Tricks for Ham Casserole Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks for this ham casserole recipe.

Making It Ahead of Time

If you want to make this ham casserole ahead of time, simply follow all of the instructions until you reach step six.

Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in your fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake the ham casserole, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the casserole, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Freezing Tips

To freeze this casserole, follow all of the instructions until you reach step five. Instead of pouring it into a baking dish, pour it into a freezer-safe container after allowing the casserole to cool completely.

After doing so, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Label and date the casserole, then store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then bake the ham casserole for around 30 minutes.

Leftover Ham Casserole

A ham and cheese casserole is just as tasty the next day as it is fresh. Some people prefer it the next day because the additional time allows all the flavors to blend.

That said, don’t be afraid to make more than you need and store it in the fridge if you have leftovers! It should stay good for one to four days in the fridge.

Additional Tips

Some additional tips and suggestions:

• Use honeybaked ham for the most satisfying, salty flavor
• If you want to lighten up the recipe, swap out the cream of chicken soup for a lower-fat or fat-free version.
• Broccoli is my vegetable of choice, but cauliflower, carrots, and green beans would all be delicious in this casserole.
• Fresh vegetables are the best option, but frozen vegetables also work well.

Nutrition Information of Ham Casserole Recipe

This recipe is packed with protein and flavor but is not too heavy on calories. One serving of this casserole has approximately:

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg
• Sodium: 1052 mg
• Potassium: 430 mg
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g

Conclusion

This homemade ham casserole recipe is easier than you think and much tastier (and still healthier) than the kind you’d find at a restaurant. It’s perfect for a winter night or anytime you need a comfort food fix. The best part is that it’s easy to make, only involving a large pot and baking dish.

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious, hearty, and satisfying meal. So, what are you waiting for? Try out this recipe today!