Creamy Ham and Noodle Casserole 🥘🍖

This comforting casserole is the perfect dish for using up leftover holiday ham or simply indulging in a creamy, cheesy delight. With tender egg noodles, chunks of savory ham, and a blend of delicious vegetables, this one-dish meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal or enjoy it on its own for a hearty lunch or dinner! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh if in season)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (homemade or canned)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch!)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish or 9x13 inch baking pan.

• Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

• In the same pot with the noodles, add the diced ham, peas, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly combined.

🥄 Make sure to blend the ingredients well so that every bite is flavorful! If you prefer a bit more cheese, add an extra 1/2 cup for a cheesier casserole.

• Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

• In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan. Mix well, then spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the noodle mixture.

• Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp.

🔥 Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs; if they start to brown too quickly, simply cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a hearty, plant-based version. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to give the casserole a kick!
• One-pot wonder: Skip the noodle boiling step by using no-boil noodles! Just mix everything together and bake—very convenient for busy nights.
• Herb-infused: Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill for an extra burst of flavor!

🍽️ This dish reheats beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week!