Savory and comforting ham and rice casserole recipe
Imagine yourself savoring a hot and hearty Southern Ham & Rice Casserole on a chilly evening, the flavors dancing on your taste buds in perfect harmony. This recipe is a classic staple in Southern cuisine, filled with ingredients that each have their own unique tastes and textures but come together perfectly to create something truly special.
As a chef specializing in traditional Southern dishes, I am proud to share with you my take on this beloved comfort food. From leftover holiday ham to country ham, every bite is packed with savory flavor that will leave you smacking your lips in satisfaction. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this dish packs a punch of deliciousness that is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking! With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this Southern Ham & Rice Casserole will soon become a family favorite that you’ll want to make over and over again. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, there’s no turning back – this casserole is simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Southern Ham & Rice Casserole recipe is more than just a simple casserole. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that will make you feel as if you’re sitting at a cozy dinner table in the heart of the South. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to serve when entertaining guests, this ham rice casserole recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use leftover ham from a holiday gathering or purchase cooked ham from your local grocery store. Not only does this make it an affordable option, but it also means that you can enjoy this tasty dish any time of year.
One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to prepare. You’ll start by cooking the rice according to the package directions and then mixing it with diced ham, beef broth, onions, and seasonings. Then all you need to do is bake it in the oven until it’s heated through and golden brown on top.
But what really sets this recipe apart are the flavors. The smoky, salty taste of the ham pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of the long-grain rice, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. And if you want to add even more flavor and texture, you can mix in some broccoli or even some cheesy goodness.
In short, there are plenty of reasons why you’ll absolutely love this Southern Ham & Rice Casserole recipe. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with delicious flavors that’ll transport you straight to the South. So why not give it a try tonight? You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Southern Ham & Rice Casserole Recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 1 pound of diced, cooked ham
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 can of beef broth
Casserole Ingredients:
- 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of water
- 1 cup of cooked and diced ham
- 1/2 cup of sliced green onions
Tips: For best results, use country ham to give your dish a real southern kick!
This recipe is perfect for making use of any leftover ham you may have lying around. If you don’t have fresh onions on hand, frozen ones will work just fine. And if you prefer a vegetarian option, swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth and leave out the ham altogether. Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the how-to!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all of the necessary ingredients, we can start cooking our Southern Ham & Rice Casserole. This recipe has a few steps but it is definitely worth it for the delicious final product. To make things easier, let’s break it down into manageable parts.
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
First, cook 2 cups of long grain rice according to package instructions. Be sure to wash the rice before cooking to remove any excess starch. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice you are using, so use this time to chop up your onion and ham while waiting for the rice to cook.
Step 2: Making the Ham Base
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of water. Stir well until combined and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then, add in 1 diced onion, and 1 cup of cooked diced ham. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft.
Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your beef broth and soup mixture with your cooked rice. Add in your diced ham and onion mixture, stir everything until well combined.
Step 4: Baking Your Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Pour the mixture into a large baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with some shredded cheese or breadcrumbs (optional). Bake in oven for about 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Letting It Cool
Once your casserole is ready, take it out from the oven and let it cool for a bit before serving. Sprinkle some green onions on top if desired for a pop of color and flavor.
That’s it, you’re all done! You can now enjoy your hot and delicious Southern Ham & Rice Casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
In the world of cooking, sometimes you want to switch things up and add your own touch. Thankfully, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can make to this Southern Ham & Rice Casserole Recipe.
Firstly, if you don’t have ham on hand or just want to try something different, you could easily substitute it with cooked chicken or sausage. These meats work just as well in the casserole and give it a unique flavor.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could also replace the ham with some broccoli or another vegetable. A broccoli rice casserole is always a hit and is a great way to add some extra greens to your meal.
For those wanting a bit of spice, try making a cheesy Mexican rice casserole. Add some diced jalapenos, chili powder and black beans for an extra kick. Or, if you’re feeling tropical, switch out the ham for pineapple and create a deliciously sweet and savory dish.
Another variation would be to use brown rice instead of the long grain white rice suggested in the recipe. This adds a nuttier flavor and makes for an even healthier meal.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this recipe your own. So get creative with what you have on hand and see what delicious combinations you can come up with!
Serving and Pairing
Southern Ham and Rice Casserole is a hearty and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with other side dishes to create a more diverse spread.
When it comes to serving, I recommend scooping generous portions of the ham and rice casserole on a plate or bowl while it’s still warm. You can top it off with some green onions or parsley for added flavor and garnish. This casserole is delicious as is, but it also goes well with other Southern-style sides like collard greens, roasted vegetables, or buttered cornbread.
For drinks, I recommend pairing this casserole with a cold glass of sweet tea or an ice-cold beer for adults. The sweetness of the tea complements the saltiness of the ham, while the bitterness of a cold beer cuts through the richness of the dish.
If you’re hosting a potluck or looking for more variety, you can mix and match this casserole with other Southern-inspired dishes like beans and rice, spicy sausage gravy over biscuits, mac and cheese, or corn pudding. These dishes are easy to prepare and add more depth to your table.
Overall, this ham and rice casserole is versatile enough to stand on its own but pairs well with many Southern sides. Its robust flavor profile makes it an excellent addition to any dinner spread, big or small.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is always a good idea, and with this Southern Ham & Rice Casserole recipe, you can prepare it in advance and have it ready to serve when the need arises. Making this casserole ahead of time takes the pressure off dinnertime, and frees up your attention to enjoy quality time with family and friends.
To make it ahead, simply assemble the dish according to the recipe instructions and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Leftovers of this casserole are equally delicious, so don’t be surprised if there’s some to spare. Allow the ham and rice casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.
When reheating leftovers, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, transfer your desired portion into a baking dish and reheat in the oven, covered with foil for 20-25 minutes if refrigerated or for 40-45 minutes if frozen.
Though reheating leftovers might not yield quite the same result as from freshly made casserole, you can spruce things up by adding a drizzle of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce atop before baking it.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got everything prepped and ready to go, it’s time for some tips to ensure that your Southern Ham & Rice Casserole comes out perfectly every time.
1. Use Long Grain Rice – Long grain rice tends to be less sticky and gummy than short or medium grain rice. It also cooks up fluffy and separate, making it perfect for casseroles like this one.
2. Cook the Rice Separately – Some recipes call for cooking the rice right in the casserole dish, but I find that this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results. Instead, cook your rice separately according to package directions, and then add it to the casserole once it’s fully cooked.
3. Don’t Overcook the Ham – If you’re using leftover ham, be careful not to overcook it in the casserole. Ham can dry out quickly if cooked for too long, so keep a close eye on it as it bakes.
4. Add Veggies for Color and Nutrients – While this recipe is delicious on its own, adding some diced onions or even broccoli florets can give it a pop of color and extra nutrients. Just be sure to cut any veggies into small enough pieces so that they cook evenly throughout the casserole.
5. Let it Rest Before Serving – Once your casserole is done baking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow everything to settle and firm up a bit, making it easier to serve and ensuring that all the flavors have had time to meld together.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious Southern Ham & Rice Casserole that everyone in your family is sure to love.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food that is perfect for any occasion or leftovers, this Southern Ham & Rice Casserole Recipe is the way to go. By using simple ingredients such as ham, long grain rice, onion, beef broth and broccoli rice, and adding a few special twists like pineapple or cheesy toppings, you can create an impressive dish that will please your whole family and leave them asking for more.
So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you prefer a classic ham and rice casserole or want to experiment with some of the variations and substitutions we’ve provided, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. And with our handy tips on how to cook, store and reheat the casserole, you’ll be able to enjoy it anytime you want without any hassle.
In the end, it’s all about making delicious food that brings joy and satisfaction to your life. And with this Southern Ham & Rice Casserole Recipe in your arsenal, you’ll have one more tasty option to add to your repertoire. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Southern Ham & Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup long grain rice
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cups ham, cooked and cubed
- 1 (9 ounce) package frozen cut green beans
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can beef broth
Instructions
- Cook rice and onion in oil until rice is lightly browned, stirring frequently.
- Add ham, beans, broth and ½ cup water. Heat to boiling.
- Turn into a 2 quart casserole. Cover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Stir just before serving.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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