Cheesy Leftover Ham and Turkey Rice Casserole

Cheesy Leftover Ham and Turkey Rice Casserole is an easy dinner that turns cooked holiday meat and chilled rice into a warm, creamy, family-sized meal. Combine 3 cups cooked rice with 2 cups turkey, 1 cup ham, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, vegetables, and cheddar, then bake it in a 9-by-13-inch dish at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes.

Every serving is rich, cozy, and satisfying, with tender grains of rice, savory bites of ham and turkey, sweet green peas, and a bubbling blanket of melted cheese. The casserole serves 6 and takes about 15–20 minutes to prepare, making it a practical dinner for the day after a holiday feast or any time you have leftovers waiting in the refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole delivers the comfort of a creamy rice bake while making excellent use of leftover turkey and ham. Instead of preparing several separate sides, you can fold the meat, rice, vegetables, sauce, and cheese into one dish that is ready for the oven in minutes.

The texture is especially appealing: the rice absorbs the savory cream sauce, the turkey stays tender beneath the foil, and the ham adds salty, smoky flavor. Cheddar melts into the filling and forms a lightly browned top during the final uncovered minutes.

It is also flexible without losing its cozy character. If you are planning another leftover-inspired meal, our cheesy ham and potato quiche is another delicious way to use extra ham.

• Yield: 6 servings
• Prep time: 15–20 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: about 45–50 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The foundation is 3 cups of cooked white or brown rice. Chilled leftover rice works best because it has less surface moisture and keeps the casserole from becoming overly soft.

You will also need 2 cups of cooked turkey and 1 cup of diced ham. Chop the turkey into bite-size pieces or shred it into the bowl, and keep the ham pieces small enough to distribute throughout every serving.

The creamy mixture contains one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup sour cream. These ingredients create a thick sauce that coats the rice without requiring a separate saucepan.

For freshness and color, use 1 cup thawed frozen peas and 1/2 cup finely diced onion. Season with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, remembering that the ham, soup, and cheese may already contain plenty of salt.

Finally, set aside 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, dividing it into 1 cup for the filling and 1/2 cup for the top. Two tablespoons of grated Parmesan are optional, but they add a pleasantly savory finish. For another family-friendly baked dinner, you can also browse this creamy Alfredo tater tot casserole.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it time to reach the correct temperature while you assemble the casserole. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter, paying attention to the corners so the creamy rice mixture does not stick.

Step 2: Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the sauce looks smooth and evenly blended, with no visible streaks of sour cream.

Step 3: Add the cooked rice, chopped or shredded turkey, diced ham, finely diced onion, thawed peas, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly so the sauce coats the rice and the meat and vegetables are spread throughout rather than concentrated in one area.

Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top, then add the Parmesan if you want a more savory, lightly crisp cheese crust.

Step 5: Cover the dish snugly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Keeping it covered during most of the cooking time helps the turkey and rice stay moist while the center heats through.

Step 6: Remove the foil and continue baking for 5–10 minutes. The casserole is ready when it is hot throughout, the cheese has melted, and the top has developed a light golden-brown color.

Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before scooping. This brief pause lets the creamy sauce settle so the portions are easier to serve without losing their soft, rich texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

Use fully cooked, chilled rice whenever possible. Freshly cooked rice can carry extra steam and moisture, which may make the finished casserole softer and wetter than intended; if fresh rice is your only option, spread it out briefly so excess steam can escape before mixing.

Keep the foil in place for the first 20 minutes, then uncover only for the final 5–10 minutes. This protects the turkey from drying out and gives the cheddar enough time to brown without becoming tough.

Taste a small amount of the filling before adding any extra salt. Ham, condensed soup, and shredded cheese can all provide substantial seasoning, so the listed salt should be treated as a starting point based on how salty your leftovers are.

For a crisp topping, mix 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and scatter it over the cheese before baking. You can also replace some or all of the cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, or a cheddar-Jack blend.

For a different flavor profile, substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken. One cup of sautéed mushrooms, diced celery, or leftover roasted vegetables can also be stirred into the filling. If you enjoy creative casserole dinners, this layered Dorito casserole offers another hearty option.

Storage and Reheating

Allow the casserole to cool briefly, then cover leftovers and refrigerate them promptly. Store portions in airtight containers or cover the baking dish well, and enjoy them within the normal safe refrigerator storage window for cooked leftovers.

For the best texture, reheat individual servings covered in the microwave until hot throughout, checking and stirring carefully if needed. You can also reheat several portions in a covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed through, then uncover briefly if you want the cheese on top to soften or brown again.

Because the dish contains rice, turkey, ham, dairy, and condensed soup, do not leave it sitting at room temperature for an extended period. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat so repeated warming does not dry out the casserole.

Serving Ideas

This casserole is filling enough to serve as a complete dinner, especially with the peas and onion mixed into the rice. A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or simple fruit can provide a fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy bake.

For a holiday leftover spread, serve small scoops alongside cranberry sauce or a bright leafy salad. The casserole is also a smart option for a casual buffet because it can rest for a few minutes after baking while everyone gathers around the table.

If you are planning a brunch-style meal with extra turkey instead of a dinner, try pairing it with homemade turkey apple cinnamon sausage for a sweet-savory contrast. For a morning side, these cheesy bacon egg muffins are another convenient make-ahead choice.

Cheesy Leftover Ham and Turkey Rice Casserole

A creamy, cheesy rice casserole packed with leftover turkey, ham, peas, and onion. It is an easy 6-serving dinner that bakes until hot and golden.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups Cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups Cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
• 1 cup Cooked ham, diced

Creamy Sauce

• 1 10.5-ounce can Condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Sour cream

Vegetables and Seasoning

• 1 cup Frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup Finely diced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Cheese Topping

• 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan

For the Dish

• as needed Nonstick spray or butter

Method

 

Step-by-Step

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Whisk the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, turkey, ham, diced onion, thawed peas, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar until evenly combined.
4. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the surface and add the Parmesan if using.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until hot throughout and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the creamy filling settles slightly and each scoop holds together.

Notes

Use fully cooked, chilled leftover rice when possible. Taste the filling before adding extra salt because ham, condensed soup, and cheese may already be well seasoned. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat covered until hot.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Leftover Ham and Turkey Rice Casserole is the kind of dependable dinner that makes leftovers feel brand new. With a creamy sauce, tender rice, savory meat, colorful peas, and a golden cheddar topping, it brings familiar holiday flavors together in one warm and satisfying bake.

Prepare it with chilled rice, keep it covered for most of the cooking time, and taste before adding extra salt. After a short five-minute rest, serve generous spoonfuls with a crisp salad or roasted vegetable side for an easy meal that feeds six.

Whether you are clearing out the refrigerator after a celebration or simply looking for a comforting weeknight dish, this casserole is simple, adaptable, and wonderfully cheesy from the first bite to the last.