Brazilian Ham and Cheese Baked Rice Casserole

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked rice casserole layered with ham, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or potlucks. This brazilian-inspired rice & grains ready in about 45 minutes pairs (600 g) cooked white rice, (200 g) diced cooked ham, (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp butter.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups cooked white rice, 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream and 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth and warm, about 4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour the warm cream mixture over the rice mixture, then add 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently until fully combined.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before serving hot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian Ham and Cheese Baked Rice Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brazilian Ham and Cheese Baked Rice Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (600 g) cooked white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian Ham and Cheese Baked Rice Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brazilian Ham and Cheese Baked Rice Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brazilian Ham and Cheese Baked Rice Casserole?

Brazilian rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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