Easy Casserole
This easy casserole combines creamy mushroom soup, tender pasta, and savory ham, topped with melted Cheddar cheese for a comforting, family-friendly dish. Perfect for weeknights or potlucks, it offers hearty flavors with minimal effort, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a greased casserole dish.
- Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. You can substitute the diced ham with cooked chicken or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor. To enhance the dish, add some garlic powder or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. If you're short on time, skip the refrigeration step, but allowing it to sit helps the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Casserole is perfect on its own but can be served alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hamburger Vegetable Soup for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, top with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips before baking for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk before reheating to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Casserole contains roughly 410 calories, with 16g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini instead of elbow macaroni. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as different pasta types may require varying cooking durations.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I do if I want to make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace it with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add more cheese or beans for protein, ensuring the casserole still has great flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).