This is one of my favorite leftover ham recipes. It’s healthy, easy, flavorful and has a little kick! But what I love most about it is that it’s a little different than the usual.
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This Healthy Leftover Ham, Rice & Beans is only 6 WW freestyle smart points per serving so you can enjoy this guilt-free after a big holiday meal!
I have always been a holiday turkey gal, but sometimes I want to mix it up and have ham! My Picnic ham with orange glaze is a family favorite and it’s also really easy to make. Either way, I always have leftovers and that’s a good thing. I used to struggle with what to do with it; there is only so much ham and split pea soup one can eat.
Healthy leftover ham recipes
But now I make this and along with my other leftover ham recipes (below), I’m covered and so are you! So, if you want to make this recipe, you can use a store-bought cooked ham, cook an easy picnic ham, like my Picnic ham with orange glaze or bake a regular ham- it’s super verstatile and incredibly delicious! Whenever I make this recipe, it’s gobbled up in no time.
Leftovers are the best!
Leftovers are really the best because they save money, prevent food waste, make dinner easy and even serve as your lunch the next day, And hey, there’s not a lot of things in this world that are better than leftover leftovers, right?!
So if you are ready to move on from ham and split pea soup and try something new and healthy then give this a try. And here are a couple of additional leftover ham over recipes you can add to your repertoire:
Gluten-free Leftover Holiday Ham and Rice Benedict
And be sure to check out my Leftovers Reinvented Board on Pinterest!
Leftover Ham, Rice and Beans
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover ham, diced into ¾ inch - 1 inch cubes
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 whole onion. chopped
- 28 oz - can diced tomatoes
- 12 oz - can kernal corn
- 1 whole green pepper , chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp hot red pepper flakes
- 18 oz -can, red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 cups brown instant rice, cooked
Instructions
- Cook instant brown rice as per package directions, then set aside.
- Dice ham
- In large pot/saucepan, heat oil over medium heat, green pepper then add ham, onion and garlic, stirring constantly for 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, corn, bay leaf, hot pepper flakes and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mash half of the kidney beans (I use a fork) and mix in.
- Then add the remaining whole beans. Cook, stirring frequently for another 15 minutes.
- Add cooked rice and stir thoroughly. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe is part of The Country Cook Weekend Potluck!
This is such a great way to use up leftover ham…I’m always doubling rice when I cook it because I use it in all sorts of ‘leftover’ recipes like this one. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
This reminds me a recipe my mom makes. It’s delicious and I bet yours is too!
Thanks,Julia!
This looks so flavorful! I love knowing that all the leftovers will be used and nothing goes to waste.
Thanks – me too! Hate food waste.
This sounds like the perfect recipe to use with all my leftover Christmas ham. I always buy a larger ham than needed to make delicious leftover recipes like this.
Thanks, Jacque. Yes, it’s almost worth it to buy a ham that’s bigger than needed just so you have leftovers!
What a great way to use leftover ham! I love that it’s a really hearty meal. Thanks, will be trying it on boxing day!
Thanks, Carrie – I hope you enjoy1
This is such a fantastic recipe. So easy to make and filled with flavor. I’ve made it several times already and my family loves it!
Thanks Joanie! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Rice & Beans are always a staple in my kitchen, but I never thought to use leftover ham. Great idea, Terri!
Thanks, Colleen!