A yummy family dinner casserole that’s made with just a few common ingredients, ready in less than 30 minutes, and picky eater approved.
This cheesy ham and rice casserole is an easy choice for busy weeknights when you want a filling homemade dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. Cooked rice, tender ham, green peas, creamy soup, and plenty of cheddar cheese come together to create a warm and comforting meal.
The recipe is especially convenient when you have leftover ham that needs to be used. Everything can be mixed ahead of time and kept ready for the oven, making it a great make-ahead option for hectic evenings.
The creamy texture, cheesy topping, and mild flavors also make this casserole appealing to kids. Serve it on its own or pair it with a simple salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked ham, cut into cubes
- 2 cups frozen green peas
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Onion powder to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- A dash of hot sauce, optional
How To Make The Most Delicious Cheesy Ham and Pea Casserole
This casserole comes together with very little preparation, making it a convenient dinner for busy families. Start by combining the cooked rice, cubed ham, frozen peas, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, seasonings, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the rice is coated with the creamy mixture. Save the remaining cup of shredded cheddar for the topping.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the casserole mixture into it. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish, then sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for about 30 minutes. It is ready when the filling is hot and bubbling and the cheese has melted and developed a lightly golden top.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to cool slightly while allowing the creamy filling to settle.
A Great Way to Use Leftover Ham
This recipe is especially useful after holidays or family gatherings when you have more cooked ham than you know what to do with. Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, turn them into a creamy and cheesy dinner that the entire family can enjoy.
You can also change the vegetables depending on what you have available. Frozen peas work especially well, but other vegetables can be added to create a different version each time.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
One of the biggest advantages of this casserole is that you can prepare it in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it properly, and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
You can also make an extra batch and freeze it for a future dinner. Having a prepared casserole available can make busy evenings much easier when there is little time for meal preparation.
The leftovers reheat well and make an easy lunch the following day, so one casserole can provide several convenient meals for the family.
Easy Comfort Food for the Whole Family
With creamy rice, savory ham, sweet green peas, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is classic comfort food that does not require complicated cooking. It is affordable, simple, and filling enough to become a regular part of your weeknight dinner rotation.
For an even more complete meal, serve it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or another favorite side dish. Whether you are using leftover holiday ham or simply looking for an easy family dinner, this cheesy ham and rice casserole is a delicious option.
Cheesy Ham and Rice Casserole
Are you looking for easy dinner ideas that your whole family will love? This cheesy rice casserole is so simple to make with just a few affordable ingredients! It is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and a great choice for families cooking on a budget.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: budget meals, casserole, cheesy, easy dinner, ham, main dish, picky eaters, rice
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cubed ham
- 2 cups frozen green peas
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- A dash of hot sauce to taste (optional)
- Salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Reserve 1 cup of the shredded cheese for the topping.
- Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make this recipe even easier by using instant rice and precooked cubed ham.
- Frozen peas work particularly well because they hold their texture during baking, but you can substitute them with other vegetables you enjoy.
- This casserole is ideal for making ahead and freezing. Prepare it in advance, freeze it properly, and move it to the refrigerator in the morning so it is ready to bake by dinner time.
- For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking.
- A small amount of hot sauce adds extra flavor without making the casserole overly spicy. Even about 1 teaspoon can give the dish a delicious boost.