Turn your Easter leftovers into something wonderfully comforting with this Ham and Broccoli Casserole! Packed with flavor and easy enough for beginner cooks, it’s the perfect choice for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or even wowing your guests.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE HAM & BROCCOLI CASSEROLE USING EASTER LEFTOVERS
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques required! This recipe is perfect for beginner and novice cooks, with simple steps that come together quickly.
- Perfect Use for Leftovers: Don’t let your Easter ham or extra broccoli go to waste. This casserole turns those leftovers into a completely new and tasty creation.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, rice, and Ritz crackers, this dish is affordable while still tasting gourmet.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy sauce and crunchy topping make this casserole a hit at the dinner table, even for little ones who are picky about veggies.
- Great for Meal Prep: This casserole stores well, making it convenient for those busy days when you need a quick and delicious meal ready to go.
What’s on the Grocery List? Easter Casserole Essentials
- Ham: Leftover Easter ham adds a savory, smoky flavor. You can cube it into bite-sized pieces or shred it for a different texture. If you’re out of ham, cooked chicken or turkey works great, too!
- Broccoli Florets: Frozen or fresh, broccoli brings a pop of color and a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins. Steam it lightly before adding for the perfect soft-but-crisp bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Nothing beats the rich, gooey texture of melted cheddar. Feel free to use a blend of cheeses for even more flavor. Sharp cheddar works best to provide a little tang.
- Long-Grain Rice: White or brown rice is the perfect base for this dish, adding heartiness while soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup:The foundation of the sauce, this soup gives the casserole its creamy consistency. You can swap it with cream of mushroom or celery soup for different flavors.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed crackers create an irresistible crunchy topping. Panko breadcrumbs also make a great substitute for a lighter crunch.
- Onion: A classic base for so many dishes, it brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Cook It Up: Your Ham & Broccoli How-To Guide
Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish to ensure easy serving later.
Sauté the Flavor
Melt your butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook for about five minutes until they turn golden and aromatic. It’s the perfect start for a flavor-packed casserole!
Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth. Add half of your shredded cheddar cheese, and watch it melt into a rich, velvety sauce.
Combine the Goodness
Mix the ham and broccoli into the cheese sauce, making sure that every piece is coated. Then, gently fold in the cooked rice.
Assemble Your Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top as an extra layer of gooeyness.
Crunch It Up
Crush your Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter. Spread this mixture over the casserole as the final topping for a golden, crunchy finish.
Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, add the buttery cracker topping, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. Give it five minutes to cool before serving, if you can wait that long!
Must-Have Kitchen Helpers
Simple Storage Tips
- Meal Prep: Cook the rice and chop the ham and broccoli in advance. Store the prepared ingredients separately in the fridge so you can assemble the casserole within minutes.
- Storage: Leftovers? Place the cooled casserole in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Eat within 3 days for best results.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.
Ham & Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup onion diced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups ham diced
- 3½ cups long grain rice cooked
- 2 cups broccoli florets blanched
Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
- 2 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Lower heat, add soup, sour cream, and milk, stir well. Add half of the cheese and stir until melted.
- Add the ham and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Mix well. Then, gently fold in the rice.
- Spread into a lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
- Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs and butter. Spread over the top of the casserole and bake, uncovered, for 10 additional minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes prior to serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Transforming your Easter leftovers into a delicious ham and broccoli casserole is not only economical but also a delightful way to enjoy a budget meal with your family. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe can be made anytime of year. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a way to utilize holiday leftovers, this casserole promises to be a hit at your table.
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