Skillet Ham and Rice Casserole – Ready In Under 30 Minutes

Skillet Ham and Rice Casserole is a quick, easy and tasty one pot meal. It is one of my favorite go to recipes to make when I have leftover ham from a holiday meal.

Best of all it can be prepared, cooked and ready to eat in under 30 minutes. It’s a great recipe option after a big holiday meal because most of us are ready to take a break from the kitchen.

However it is also a fantastic recipe to make on busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. It is a complete meal full of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

However, what I really love about this recipe is that it is extremely versatile. Although this dish is delicious as written, you can use a variety of other ingredients to make the dish new and exciting each time that you make it.

For example, switch up the vegetables, spices and type of cheese that you use and have in your kitchen. Then you will have an easy to prepare dinner recipe that didn’t require a special trip to the grocery store.

Below I have listed some common recipe substitutions as examples. Although feel free to add your own combinations as well.

What Type of Rice To Use

However, when it comes to making a ham and rice skillet recipe the type of rice that you use does matter. For this specific recipe it is recommended to use long grain white rice.

Long grain rice is the most commonly used type of rice in many recipes, including one pot skillet dishes. The rice grains cook faster than brown rice however they still hold its shape and does not become too sticky or mushy when cooked.

However resist the temptation of using quick or instant white rice. The rice will become too soft and mushy and won’t be able to hold up to the other ingredients.

Although there are two other types of rice that you could substitute for the long grain white rice. This is because they have similar water to rice ratios and cook times.

1. Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is a long-grain rice that cooks up light and fluffy, similar to white rice. It has a slightly nutty flavor and aroma, and can be used as a replacement in this recipe.

2. Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice is another long-grain rice that is similar in texture and flavor to white rice. It has a subtle floral aroma and a slightly sticky texture when cooked.

Possible Recipe Variations

As stated above there are many variations that you can use in this skillet ham and rice recipe to add different flavors and textures. Below I have listed a few common recipe variations, however feel free to mix the ingredients to your taste preferences.

Vegetables: Although this recipe uses broccoli as the vegetable of choice, feel free to add or replace the broccoli with other vegetables. Some of my favorites include: diced bell peppers, onions, corn, carrots and peas.

Spices: Besides the standard garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper, feel free to experiment with different spices to spice up the dish. I always add a hint of cayenne pepper and hot pepper flakes, however some other spices like paprika, cumin, chili powder, or thyme will add a unique flavor to the dish.

Cheese: Switch up the type of cheese that you add the dish to give it a different taste. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack cheese will give the rice a creamy texture and an extra burst of flavor.

Beans: Although not on the original ingredient list, you can add beans to your dish as well. Black beans or kidney beans can be added to the skillet for added protein, fiber, taste and texture.

Skillet Ham and Rice Casserole Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 1/3 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
• 3/4 cup cooked diced ham
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

In a deep sided skillet add the butter and place over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts add in the onion and cook it until it becomes translucent (approximately 3-4 minutes).

Add the garlic clove, onion powder, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Cook for one additional minute.

Then add the rice and sauté until the rice starts to turn a light golden color (approximately 3-4 minutes). Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to high.

Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low-medium and cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the lid from the skillet and gently stir in the broccoli and ham. Then place the lid back on the pan and cook for another 8 minutes.

Once the rice is tender add the freshly grated cheese to the pot and stir to combine. Place the lid back on the pot and remove it from the heat.

One the cheese melts stir and serve warm. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Storing and Freezing Skillet Ham and Rice Casserole

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a closed container for up to 4 days. When reheating add a little liquid as the rice will absorb the liquid when stored.

If you want to freeze this dish as a make ahead meal, omit the cheese and freeze the cooked casserole in an air tight container. When you go to reheat the meal stir in the cheese once it is reheated.

Other Leftover Ham Recipe Ideas

There are many delicious and creative ways to use leftover ham. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:

1. Ham and Cheese Omelet: Make a ham and cheese omelet by combining the leftover ham, cheese, and vegetables like spinach or mushrooms inside an omelet.

2. Ham and Bean Soup: Use leftover ham to make a hearty and flavorful ham and bean soup.

3. Ham Fried Rice: This is another quick and easy one dish recipe. Cook rice, scrambled eggs, diced vegetables, and ham in a wok or skillet with teriyaki sauce.

4. Ham and Cheese Sandwich: Make a classic ham and cheese sandwich using leftover ham, cheese, and your favorite bread. Then serve it with a bowl of Homemade Tomato Soup.

5. Ham and Potato Casserole: Use leftover ham to make a comforting and filling ham and potato casserole.

6. Ham and Egg Breakfast Muffins: Use leftover ham to make tasty, low-carb breakfast muffins. Throw in a few of your favorite vegetables and then you will have a high protein meal that makes for a great on-the-go breakfast option.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your own recipes using leftover ham.

Enjoy! Mary

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