I love making ham and noodles for my family because it’s a classic comfort food that never fails to bring us together. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit our tastes.
My kids adore the combination of tender ham, fluffy noodles, and a rich sauce that’s infused with the sweetness of onions and bell peppers. I often make it on busy weeknights when we need a quick and nourishing meal that everyone will enjoy.
My husband is particularly fond of the way the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet notes. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover ham or cook some new one from scratch.
As for me, I appreciate how easy it is to scale up or down depending on our needs, making it an ideal solution for family gatherings or everyday meals. The best part?
It’s incredibly versatile – we can serve it hot or cold, as a main course or as a side dish. My kids even like it for breakfast, paired with scrambled eggs or cheese toast!
Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit our preferences, adding some extra herbs and spices to give it an extra boost of flavor. This adaptation has become our go-to recipe whenever we crave something comforting and familiar.
Creamy Ham and Noodle Casserole
4.6 from 1824 votes
A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender egg noodles, savory ham, and a creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for using leftover ham and makes a satisfying weeknight dinner.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the egg noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter.
5Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
7Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a light roux.
8Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
9Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 4 to 5 minutes.
10Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
11Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
12Remove the saucepan from the heat.
13In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, diced ham, frozen peas, and the prepared cheese sauce.
14Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
15Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
16In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are moistened.
17Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
18Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
19Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
20This allows the sauce to set slightly for easier serving.
21Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese by half. You can also substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey. To add a bit of crunch, top with crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs.
Watch Video Of How Creamy Ham and Noodle Casserole Works
This ham and noodles recipe has become a staple in our household due to its ease of preparation, versatility, and adaptability to suit our changing tastes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when we need something quick yet satisfying.
We love serving it hot or cold as a main course or side dish, making it an ideal solution for family gatherings or everyday meals. One of my favorite aspects is its health benefits – with lean protein from the ham, complex carbohydrates from the noodles, and plenty of vegetables packed into every bite.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Ham and Noodle Casserole
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a good-quality, thinly sliced ham such as prosciutto or serrano ham for its delicate flavor and texture. These hams are relatively affordable and pair well with the sweetness of the onions and bell peppers.
Can I use leftover ham in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover ham is a great way to reduce food waste and save time in the kitchen. Just be sure to chop it up finely before adding it to the pot so that it cooks evenly.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
To avoid overcooking the noodles, cook them al dente according to package instructions before adding them to the sauce. Then, let them simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes until they’re coated in the flavors without becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time by cooking the noodles and sauce separately. Store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling the dish.
What if I don’t have any bell peppers?
You can omit them altogether if you don’t have any on hand or substitute with another vegetable like diced carrots or zucchini.
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