Ham and Rice

Ham and rice are two everyday ingredients that come together to please even the pickiest eaters. This skillet dinner is an easy leftover ham recipe that features tender bites of ham nestled among fluffy rice and savory mushrooms. Green onions lend a bright crunch, and a sprinkling of Parmesan adds an irresistible salty finish.

The best part about ham and rice recipes is how quickly they come together. You’ll go from chopping onions to serving a hearty dinner in only 25 minutes. It makes you wonder why you’d ever bother with takeout!

Ham and Rice Ingredients

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• Ham: Fully cooked ham offers a salty, savory quality that enriches the dish’s overall flavor. You can use deli ham or leftover ham from a holiday dinner.
• Instant rice: Instant rice is precooked, so it cooks faster than regular rice. It will become tender and fluffy in about five minutes.
• Olive oil: Olive oil provides a base for sauteing the vegetables, helping to soften and brown the onions and mushrooms while adding a hint of richness. We recommend using regular vs. extra-virgin olive oil. Its higher smoke point makes it better suited for cooking.
• Onions and mushrooms: These vegetables add depth to ham and rice recipes. The onions bring sweetness and tender-crisp crunch, while the mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a meaty texture.
• Pepper: A small amount of pepper adds a subtle kick, enhancing the other flavors without overwhelming them.
• Chicken broth and water: These liquids rehydrate the rice. You could use water alone, but adding chicken broth gives the rice a savory depth of flavor. Look for reduced-sodium chicken broth (or use homemade chicken broth) to keep the rice from tasting too salty.
• Green onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a mild, crisp bite that contrasts the rich, savory ingredients.
• Parmesan cheese: This sharp, salty cheese melts into the rice, adding a creamy finish and a boost of umami flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the vegetables

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In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms and saute until tender.

Step 2: Cook the rice

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Stir in the ham, pepper, chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the instant rice. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, about five minutes.

Step 3: Fluff the rice before serving

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Fluff the rice with a fork. Top it with green onions and shredded Parmesan cheese.

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Ham and Rice Variations

• Swap in chicken: For a lighter, leaner protein option, use cooked chicken instead of ham. You can use leftovers from chicken recipes or chopped chicken from a rotisserie chicken.
• Add vegetables: Stir in peas, bell peppers or spinach to boost the color, texture and nutrition of the dish.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or spoonful of sour cream before serving for a richer, creamier texture.

How to Store Ham and Rice

Store leftover ham and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water as needed to moisten the rice, which can soak up liquid as it sits and make the leftovers taste dry. Reheat the ham and rice over gentle heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can you freeze ham and rice?

You can freeze cooked rice like ham and rice in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Ham and Rice Tips

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What should you serve with ham and rice?

Ham and rice pairs well with green salads or veggie dishes that add freshness and balance to the meal. Try a crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette, oven-roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. You can also serve ham and rice with crusty bread or dinner rolls to round out the meal.

What is the best rice for ham and rice recipes?

We use instant rice to make ham and rice because it cooks quickly, but you can substitute regular long-grain rice or brown rice. However, you will need to make some adjustments to the recipe. Check the package directions and adjust the grain-to-liquid and cooking time as needed.

How can you reduce sodium in ham and rice recipes?

Opt for low-sodium or sodium-free chicken broth to reduce the sodium in ham and rice. You can also look for lower-sodium versions of ham at the deli or reduce the amount of ham in the recipe. Balance the flavor by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Lastly, you can skip the added cheese.

How do you prevent rice from sticking to the skillet?

The oil used to saute the vegetables should keep the rice from sticking to the skillet. If you want to reduce the amount of oil, consider using a nonstick skillet. It’s also important to use the proper amount of liquid called for in the recipe.