Description
This Cheesy Ham and Pea Comfort casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful homestyle dish perfect for family dinners. It features tender ham, sweet peas, and fluffy rice in a smooth cheddar sauce, topped with a golden, melty crust. This recipe is ideal for using leftover ham and offers a comforting, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked rice (fresh or day-old)
- 2 cups cubed ham (about 10 ounces)
- 1½ cups frozen green peas
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cubed ham, and frozen peas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the rice, ham, and pea mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese with the optional breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and melted.
- Let the Cheesy Ham and Pea Comfort rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream.
- Day-old rice works well and helps prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving (estimated)
- Sugar: Approximately 5g per serving (estimated)
- Sodium: Approximately 1200mg per serving (estimated)
- Fat: Approximately 25g per serving (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 15g per serving (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10g per serving (estimated)
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0.5g per serving (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g per serving (estimated)
- Fiber: Approximately 3g per serving (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 20g per serving (estimated)
- Cholesterol: Approximately 70mg per serving (estimated)