Ham Casserole Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with comfort food all over again! Ham Casserole is one of those timeless dishes that brings warmth and satisfaction to every table, making leftovers feel like a whole new meal and turning simple ingredients into something spectacular. Whether you’re craving an easy weekday dinner, planning a cozy family get-together, or searching for a dish that can feed a crowd without fuss, this Ham Casserole has you covered. Creamy, cheesy, loaded with savory ham and plenty of veggies, it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about this recipe is how everyday basics get elevated into a dish that tastes like it came from grandma’s kitchen. Each ingredient brings its own magic: creaminess, color, a burst of flavor, or a hint of crunch. If you have leftover ham and a handful of pantry staples, you’re already halfway there!

• Ham: The savory, meaty star of this casserole; use leftover baked ham, or pick up pre-cubed ham for convenience.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni, shell, or penne all work perfectly to catch the creamy sauce in every bite; cook just until al dente for best texture.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Forms the rich base of the sauce, adding silkiness and earthy flavor; low-sodium versions work nicely.
• Milk: Loosens up the soup and keeps the casserole extra creamy without being heavy.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness; sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor, but feel free to mix in some mozzarella for bonus stretch.
• Frozen peas and carrots: Colorful, sweet pops that round out the meal and sneak in extra veggies.
• Onion: Adds savory depth—sauté beforehand for a sweeter flavor, or use green onions for a milder bite.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Sprinkle on top for an irresistible golden crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Butter: Toss with breadcrumbs or dot on top to help everything bake up golden and bubbling.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to balance flavors; adjust to taste depending on how salty your ham is.

How to Make Ham Casserole

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Begin by boiling your pasta of choice in salted water until it’s just barely al dente. It will keep cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft at this stage! Drain it well and set aside; you’re already building the base for a hearty Ham Casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. This sauce is what brings every scoop together, making sure every forkful is comfortingly creamy.

Step 3: Combine Ham, Veggies, and Pasta

Add the chopped ham, cooked pasta, thawed peas and carrots, and the diced onion to your bowl. Gently fold everything together, making sure all the goodies are coated in that luscious sauce. Don’t be afraid to add extra veggies if you want to bulk things up a bit!

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole

Grease a baking dish and pour in your ham and pasta mixture, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top, then toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter them evenly for that iconic, crave-worthy crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the inside is bubbling beautifully. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this gives the Ham Casserole time to set just enough for perfect slices.

How to Serve Ham Casserole

Garnishes

Take your Ham Casserole up a notch just before serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a dash of fresh cracked black pepper, or even a few sliced green onions. These little touches brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and a fresh finish that contrasts the creamy, cheesy center.

Side Dishes

While Ham Casserole is pretty much a meal on its own, it sings alongside sides like a zippy green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. Warm dinner rolls or fluffy garlic bread are also absolutely perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce. If you want to keep things super traditional, serve with a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce for a nostalgic touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, portion your Ham Casserole into small ramekins for individual servings—everyone loves having their own! Or, turn leftovers into easy hand pies by stuffing them into crescent roll dough and baking until golden. This recipe is versatile and fun, so don’t hesitate to play with how you serve it up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Ham Casserole stores like a champ. Spoon cooled servings into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors seem to meld even more overnight, making for delicious next-day lunches.

Freezing

Ham Casserole freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your Ham Casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F until hot, or zap individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or a sprinkle of cheese if things look a little dry—a few minutes and you’re back to cheesy perfection!

FAQs

Can I make Ham Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is piping hot and perfectly melty.

What kinds of vegetables can I add?

This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach. Just be sure to cook or thaw them first to avoid watering down the sauce.

Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of mushroom is a classic for its rich flavor, but cream of chicken or celery both work as tasty substitutes if you prefer. You can also make a homemade cheese sauce if you want to skip the canned soup entirely.

How do I keep my Ham Casserole from getting dry?

Be sure not to overbake, and keep your ratios of soup and milk generous. If making ahead, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to restore creaminess.

Can I use a different protein instead of ham?

Definitely! This casserole is just as delicious with leftover turkey, cooked chicken, or even rotisserie chicken. It’s a great way to makeover odds and ends from your fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a recipe that tastes like a warm hug and delivers pure comfort, you truly can’t go wrong with Ham Casserole. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—let it become a fast favorite at your table, just as it has at mine!

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