This pineapple ham casserole turns leftover ham into tonight’s solution. Tender chunks of ham, sweet pineapple, rice, and veggies all bake together in one dish for a hands-off meal that is ready in about 30 minutes.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with holiday ham beyond sandwiches (so many sandwiches), this is your answer. It requires one dish, takes minimal prep, and you get a meal that actually feels like dinner.
I started making this after Easter a few years ago, when I had way too much ham. Now it’s a recipe I look forward to after the holidays because it makes itself. Just throw everything into a saucepan, cover it, and walk away.
The combination of salty ham and sweet pineapple, with the rice soaking up all those flavors, is fabulous. You’re not just reheating leftovers, you’re making something new that happens to use what you already have.
Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions along with a few variations if you want to mix things up. Once you see how easy this is to throw together, this casserole will become your new go-to for everything from busy weeknights to potluck dinners.
Looking for more recipes for ham? Try my slow cooker ham & potato soup, air fryer ham steaks, or slow cooker split pea soup.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Cooked ham: This is where leftover holiday ham really shines.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple tastes fantastic, but let’s be real, canned pineapple is more convenient.
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Red bell pepper
- Rice
- Water
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Ground mustard
How to Make Ham & Pineapple Casserole
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped red pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Dump in the rice, water, cubed ham, chopped pineapple, brown sugar, salt, lemon juice, and ground mustard. Stir to make sure the ingredients are distributed, and nothing’s stuck to the bottom of the pan. Turn up the heat and bring the whole thing to a boil.
- Once you’ve got a good boil going, put a lid on that pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it steam for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, the rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains and distribute any remaining moisture.
Serving Ideas
This ham and pineapple casserole is a complete meal on its own. My family devours it as-is straight from the pot, but if you want to round out dinner, I’ve got some ideas that work beautifully.
A simple green salad with some mixed greens, add a handful of cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette goes perfectly. If you’re feeding hungrier mouths (or want to stretch this further), serve it with warm dinner rolls on the side.
For a lighter touch, I sometimes add steamed broccoli or snap peas to the plate. The bright green vegetables look nice against the golden rice and ham, and they add a bit of texture contrast that keeps things interesting.
How to Store
This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which makes it perfect for meal prep or those nights when you need a quick reheat dinner.
When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it seems a bit dry. The microwave works too. Cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each one, until it’s warmed through.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Either fresh or canned pineapple works fine. If I’m using canned pineapple, I like to get pineapple tidbits because the smaller pieces work well in this recipe. If you do use canned, make sure to drain it well.
- Once you’ve covered the pot and reduced the heat, resist the urge to peek. Every time you lift that lid, you’re letting out steam that the rice needs to cook properly.
- The brown sugar gives this casserole a sweet-savory balance that reminds me of Hawaiian pizza, but if you’re not a fan of sweeter main dishes, start with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar instead of the full 1/4 cup. You can always add more at the table.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick that balances out the sweetness.
- Once the rice is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Then fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and distribute all those delicious chunks of ham and pineapple throughout.
Reader Questions
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Brown rice typically needs about 45 minutes to cook and requires 2 1/2 cups of water instead of 2 cups. The texture will be chewier and nuttier.
If pineapple isn’t your thing, try diced mango or peaches for a similar sweet-tart flavor.
Sure. Diced carrots, peas, or corn would all work well. Add firmer vegetables like carrots with the onion and pepper, and stir in softer vegetables like peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Pineapple Ham Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- ½ red pepper chopped
- 1 cup rice uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cooked ham cubed
- 2 cups pineapple chopped
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- Sauté the onion in the olive oil for 5 minutes. Add the red pepper and cook for 2 more minutes.2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion , ½ red pepper
- Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and let the steam for 25 minutes.1 cup rice, 2 cups water, 2 cups cooked ham, 2 cups pineapple, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Notes
- Either fresh or canned pineapple works fine. If I’m using canned pineapple, I like to get pineapple tidbits because the smaller pieces work well in this recipe. If you do use canned, make sure to drain it well.
- Once you’ve covered the pot and reduced the heat, don’t open the lid.
- If you’re not a fan of sweeter main dishes, start with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar instead of the full ¼ cup. You can always add more at the table.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick that balances out the sweetness.
- Once the rice is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Then fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
