Ham And Noodle Casserole

This comforting, quick ham and noodle casserole is just the thing to throw together when you have a full house or need something hearty and crowd-pleasing for a potluck or large gathering.

The recipe, which was published in our March 2001 issue, comes from the kitchen of Laurabell J. Long of Peru, Indiana. Made with egg noodles, chopped ham, a tasty mix of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, asparagus), and a rich and creamy sauce, the casserole is made two at a time in two 8-inch square baking dishes to serve eight people (or more, if you are serving it with other dishes as part of a buffet).

The secret ingredient in the sauce is the chive-and-onion flavored cream cheese, which adds a ton of flavor with little effort. Best of all, you can prepare this ham and noodle casserole as directed or you can make one, and freeze one to eat later. (Thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes.)

Learn how to make ham and noodle casserole, a fun way to use up leftover ham for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Ham and Noodle Casserole

Cream of mushroom soup, chive and onion-flavored cream cheese, baked ham, and a bevy of vegetables are tossed with egg noodles, layered with two kinds of cheese, topped with crushed croutons, and baked until bubbly. Does it get much better than that?

To make ham and noodle casserole, you'll need:

• Uncooked egg noodles: The base of the casserole. You can swap with other types of pasta, including rotini, penne, or fusilli, if preferred.
• Canned cream of mushroom soup: A creamy binder for the casserole, adding a rich flavor to the mixture.
• Chive and onion-flavored cream cheese: Boosts the flavor with its mild oniony note, and adds richness.
• Milk: Thins the filling for a creamy consistency.
• Chopped baked ham: Adds protein and a savory, smoky, and sweet flavor. If needed, substitute with a chopped up ham steak, cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken.
• Broccoli florets, frozen asparagus, and baby carrots: Adds a nutrient-rich boost and pops of color and texture throughout the casserole.
• Shredded mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses: Adds a gooey, cheesy texture and flavor to the casserole. Substitute with any types of cheeses you prefer, including Monterey Jack, Colby, or Swiss cheeses for a personalized touch.
  
• Crushed seasoned croutons: A crunchy topping for the casserole to contrast the creamy texture of the filling.

How To Make Ham and Noodle Casserole

Whether you make one and freeze one for later, or gift one to a friend, we think the ability to have two casseroles ready in 45 minutes is pretty impressive. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Cook pasta: Cook pasta until al dente; drain.
• Step 2. Create base: Stir together soup, cream cheese, and milk in a large bowl. Stir in pasta, ham, and veggies. Spoon half into two lightly greased 8-inch square baking dishes.
• Step 3. Add cheese: Combine cheeses. Sprinkle half of cheese mixture over casseroles. Top evenly with remaining ham mixture.
• Step 4. Top casseroles: Combine remaining cheese mixture with croutons. Sprinkle over tops. (Wrap one casserole with foil, and freeze up to 1 month if desired.)
• Step 5. Bake: Bake casserole(s) at 400°F until lightly browned.

Ham and Noodle Casserole Variations

To switch up this ham and noodle casserole, consider these variation ideas:

• Pasta: Swap the egg noodles with rotini, penne, fusilli, elbow macaroni, or any preferred pasta shape.
• Veggies: Add flavor, color, and additional nutrients by adding in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, peas, corn, green beans, and more.
• Protein: Swap the glazed ham with leftover chopped cooked ham, a chopped ham steak, shredded cooked chicken, cooked bacon, or browned sausage.
• Cheese: Experiment with your favorite cheese combination by incorporating Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, Swiss, pepper Jack, or other cheeses into the mix.
• Flavorings: Add even more flavor with chopped parsley, thyme leaves, additional chives, smoked paprika, or chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
• Soup: No cream of mushroom soup on hand? Any "cream of" soup should work well, including cream of celery, broccoli, or chicken.
• Toppings: Substitute the croutons with fried onions, seasoned breadcrumbs, or panko, if preferred.

How To Prepare Ham and Noodle Casserole Ahead

This recipe makes two casseroles, but whether you make them both ahead, or bake one and freeze one for later, is up to you. To get ahead of your week, prepare these casseroles up to two days in advance, then wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also wrap the casseroles with foil, and freeze up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, if frozen, before baking at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Ham and Noodle Casserole

Refrigerate leftovers of this ham and noodle casserole, well-wrapped or in an airtight container, for up to four days or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout before serving, or microwave single servings as needed.

What To Serve With Ham and Noodle Casserole

This ham and noodle casserole is a filling dinner all on its own. It comes complete with pasta, veggies, and protein for a filling one-dish meal. Pair simply with a side of garlic bread or a light salad if desired, for a fresh touch to bulk up the meal.

More Noodle Casserole Recipes You'll Love

Hearty and comforting, noodle casseroles can be made ahead for weeknight meals that are ready to serve in no time at all:

• Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Casserole
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
• Fresh Vegetable Lasagna
• Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Sloppy Joe Casserole
• Meatball Casserole
• Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.