Ham Casserole is one of those classic comfort dishes that warms both the heart and the stomach. This delightful recipe features a rich and creamy cheese sauce enveloping tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and smoky ham, all seasoned to perfection with garlic, thyme, and marjoram. With its easy prep and mouthwatering taste, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Ham Casserole
This ham casserole is not just about the delicious flavor; it also offers several benefits:
- Quick preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and filling, this dish serves as a complete meal.
- Great for using up leftover ham—reduce food waste.
- Customizable with different vegetables or cheeses for variety.
- A favorite among both kids and adults, making dinner a breeze.
- Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings as a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe showcases the best ham and cheese casserole you can make and fits into the American cuisine category, ensuring comfort and satisfaction.
Ingredients for Ham Casserole
Gather these items:
- 12 ounces cellentani pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon crushed rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2¼ cups whole milk, warmed to room temperature
- 2 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for the top)
- 3-4 slices American cheese torn into small pieces (about 3 ounces)
- 2½ cups diced ham
How to Make Ham Casserole Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, then drain well.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Cook the onion until soft. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.
- Step 4: Melt the butter in the pot. Sprinkle in the flour and cook over low heat for 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly stir in the milk and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add the broccoli to a microwavable bowl with ¼ cup of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and cut two small slits. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Reduce the heat to low. Stir 2 cups shredded cheddar and American cheese into the pot in small increments. Add the pasta, broccoli, and ham to the casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and stir to combine.
- Step 7: Top with the reserved ½ cup cheddar cheese and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese on the top is melted and the casserole is heated through. Avoid overbaking.
Pro Tips for the Best Ham Casserole
Keep these in mind:
- Use leftover ham for a quick and delicious meal.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook while baking.
Best Ways to Serve Ham Casserole
For a delightful dining experience, consider these serving ideas:
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside crusty bread for a comforting touch.
- Offer a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrients.
How to Store and Reheat Ham Casserole
To store leftovers, simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This makes for easy meal prep and quick lunches!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Casserole
What’s the secret to perfect Ham Casserole?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors; using quality cheese and properly cooked pasta ensures the best texture and taste in this creamy ham casserole.
Can I make Ham Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. This is perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ham Casserole?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overbake the casserole or overcook the pasta. Keep an eye on the cheese; it should be melted and bubbly, not burnt.
Variations of Ham Casserole You Can Try
There are many creative variations to this dish:
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Substitute the broccoli for spinach or kale for a different veggie twist.
- Try a different type of pasta, like penne or rotini, for varied texture.
Experimenting with these ham casserole variations keeps this dish exciting!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese or Slow Cooker Beef Ramen for comforting meals that are easy to prepare.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of ham, visit Healthline.
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Ham Casserole: 7 Comforting Reasons to Love This Dish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This ham casserole features pasta, onion, broccoli, and smoked ham in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, perfectly seasoned with garlic, thyme, and marjoram.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cellentani pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon crushed rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2¼ cups whole milk, warmed to room temperature
- 2 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for the top)
- 3–4 slices American cheese torn into small pieces (about 3 ounces)
- 2½ cups diced ham
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, then drain well.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Cook the onion until soft. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.
- Melt the butter in the pot. Sprinkle in the flour and cook over low heat for 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly stir in the milk and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add the broccoli to a microwavable bowl with ¼ cup of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and cut two small slits. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir 2 cups shredded cheddar and American cheese into the pot in small increments. Add the pasta, broccoli, and ham to the casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and stir to combine.
- Top with the reserved ½ cup cheddar cheese and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese on the top is melted and the casserole is heated through. Avoid overbaking.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg