This ham casserole is egg noodles, broccoli and diced ham in a creamy sauce, all topped with cheese and baked to golden brown perfection. A comfort food classic that’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham!
You can’t go wrong with a hearty casserole, whether it’s chicken and broccoli casserole, taco casserole or this cheesy ham and noodle version. My kids always request this meal and I’m happy to oblige.
When the holidays roll around, I always make sure to purchase a ham that’s larger than what I actually need, so that I have plenty of leftovers. My favorite way to repurpose holiday ham is in an amazing ham casserole. You don’t even have to wait for a holiday ham to make this one, it’s great year round too!
How do you make ham casserole?
This recipe starts with a homemade cheese sauce, which is made in minutes with a little butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. I typically make my sauce while I’m waiting for the noodles to cook. After the pasta and sauce are ready, toss them together with cubed ham and cooked broccoli florets, then pour everything into a baking dish. The finishing touch is a generous amount of shredded cheese. Bake your pasta dish until the cheese melts, then add a sprinkling of parsley and enjoy!
Tips for the perfect casserole
- Noodle casserole is a great way to use up holiday ham, but you can make this casserole year round by purchasing a ham steak and cutting that into cubes.
- You can assemble this dish up to 4 hours before you plan to eat. Cover the pan and refrigerate the casserole until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a little more bake time to compensate for starting with a cold casserole.
- I prefer to use the extra wide egg noodles, but standard egg noodles also work just fine.
- This casserole tastes best with freshly grated cheese. The pre-shredded cheese that comes in bags at the grocery store is often coated with anti caking agents and preservatives, and does not melt as well.
- Lightly steam or blanch your broccoli before you add it to the dish. Frozen broccoli will also work, just be sure to thaw and pat dry to remove any excess water.
Ham casserole flavor variations
This casserole is delicious as-is, but feel free to add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
- Pasta: Instead of egg noodles, try a different variety of short pasta such as rigatoni, penne, farfalle or fusilli.
- Vegetables: Swap out the broccoli for a scoop of frozen mixed veggies, or use cooked asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini or bell peppers.
- Cheese: While ham and cheddar are a classic flavor combination, other great cheese options include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, fontina or swiss.
- Toppings: Add a sprinkle of buttered breadcrumbs, some cooked and crumbled bacon or a handful of french fried onions to the top of your casserole.
Ham casserole is a must make recipe – it’s the perfect hearty comfort food that’s easy to prepare and always gets rave reviews.
More casseroles to try
- Dorito Casserole
- Squash Casserole
- Pierogi Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chile Relleno Casserole
Ham Casserole Video
Ham Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles cooked in salted water according to package directions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided use
- 2 1/2 cups diced ham
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets cooked
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the milk and cream, then simmer, whisking constantly, until sauce has just thickened.
- Add the parmesan cheese and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until the cheese has melted.
- Place the egg noodles, ham and broccoli in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the top, and toss to coat evenly.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan, and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until pasta is bubbly and cheese has just started to brown.
- Sprinkle parsley over the top, then serve.
Cathy says
My mom made something like this when I was grow up… it was always a favorite!
Kevin says
This looks and sounds amazing! Cannot wait to make it!
veenaazmanov says
This Casserole is definitely delicious. I make a similar dish like this too often and is my family favorite meal always. I love your recipe too.
Beth says
Oh my goodness this looks so delicious and tasty! My family is going to love this recipe! Can’t wait to make this!
Sue says
What a great casserole! My family loved it. Thank you!
Mirlene says
This perfect for meal prep. My family would go crazy for this.
Cookilicious says
I want to reach out and grab the dish..looks so good
Biana says
Adding to my meal plans! Looks perfect to use up leftover ham and noodles.
Toni says
Such a delicious meal! Everyone at my house loved it!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This ham casserole looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This ham casserole is looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Oh, wow! Adding this to my list to try! It’s so comforting & yummy! Totally what I’m craving now!
Kim says
This looks perfect to print off and send with my son to college! Simple and easy casseroles are great to make ahead for a busy week. Thank you.