Wild Rice And Ham Casserole
A hearty and cheesy casserole combining wild rice, ham, broccoli, and mushrooms, baked to perfection—great for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the package directions.
- Spread the cooked rice in the bottom of a well-greased 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Partially cook the broccoli using the juice from the mushroom slices.
- Drain the broccoli and layer it on top of the rice.
- Layer the ham, mushroom slices, and shredded Cheddar cheese in the dish.
- Mix together the cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, and prepared mustard.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the ham before layering it in the dish. You can substitute the long grain and wild rice with brown rice for a nuttier taste or use quinoa for a gluten-free option. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked ham or leftover ham from a previous meal. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham entirely and add more vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Wild Rice and Ham Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp Lettuce Layered Salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve with a side of Great Green Beans for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving with warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice And Ham Casserole contains roughly 469 calories, with 18g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just blanch it briefly in boiling water before layering it in the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly. This will help maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using a roux and adding celery and cream. This will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a day before baking. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).