Easy Ham, Green Pea And Noodle Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender noodles, savory ham, and fresh green peas, topped with bread crumbs for a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, omitting the salt. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, dry mustard, sage, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- Slowly whisk in the skim milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the cooked noodles, cubed ham, and green peas to the milk mixture and stir well.
- Spoon the mixture into an ungreased shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs and dot with margarine.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding grated cheese to the top before baking. For a creamy texture, substitute half of the skim milk with sour cream. If you prefer a veggie boost, toss in some chopped broccoli or use frozen mixed vegetables instead of peas. This recipe can easily be customized with different proteins, such as chicken or turkey, making it versatile for various tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with a light salad like Broccoli Cranberry Nut Salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete dinner experience, serve with crusty bread or garlic knots. A simple dessert, like fruit salad, can round out the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warm. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Ham, Green Pea And Noodle Casserole contains roughly 1216 calories, with 16g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% 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 noodles for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute broad egg noodles with other pasta types such as rotini or penne. Just ensure they are cooked al dente before mixing with the other ingredients to maintain the casserole's texture while baking.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein. Increase the amount of peas or add other vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian version of this casserole.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the milk mixture. You could also incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, complementing the flavors well.
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).