Leftover Ham Skillet Casserole
This easy, family-friendly skillet casserole brings leftover ham back to life in a quick, delicious comfort food dish that’s both economical and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra-virgin for richer flavor)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced about ¾ cup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced use fresh for best aroma
- 2 cups diced leftover ham roughly 8 oz; low-sodium variety works well
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (or fresh if you have it)
- 1 bell pepper any color, diced adds sweetness and crunch
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa day-old rice helps everything crisp up
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar substitute pepper jack for a spicy kick
- ½ cup milk whole or 2% for creaminess; unsweetened almond milk also works
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard balances the richness
- ½ tsp smoked paprika for that cozy, smoky vibe
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers—about 1 minute. A drop of water should sizzle on contact.
- Toss in the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring until edges turn translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more—your kitchen will smell amazing.
- Stir in the leftover ham and let it caramelize slightly, about 2 minutes. Give it space so it gets a little crisp.
- Mix in peas, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook another 3 minutes until peppers soften but still hold some bite.
- Fold in the rice (or quinoa). Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Let it toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Whisk milk, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then pour over the skillet. Stir gently so everything’s coated.
- Sprinkle cheddar evenly on top. Cover with a lid and lower heat to medium-low for 3–4 minutes, or until cheese is gooey.
- Remove from heat and let everything settle for 2–3 minutes—this helps the flavors mingle.
- Scatter fresh parsley over the top and serve straight from the skillet for extra coziness.
Notes
Using day-old rice helps prevent mushy grains. If ham is very salty, rinse under cold water before dicing. Smoked paprika adds depth without overpowering. For a dairy-free version, omit cheese and use nutritional yeast for flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal
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