Ham And Macaroni Twist Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender macaroni, savory ham, broccoli, and cheesy topping, topped with crispy fried onions—perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini or elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1.5 cups cubed cooked ham ⓘ
- 1 (2.8 oz.) can French fried onions, divided
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen broccoli spears, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 12 x 8-inch baking dish, combine hot cooked macaroni, cubed cooked ham, and half of the French fried onions.
- Divide the thawed and drained broccoli spears into 6 small bunches.
- Arrange the broccoli bunches down the center of the dish, alternating the direction of the flowerets.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream of celery soup, milk, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pour this mixture over the macaroni, ham, and broccoli in the dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until thoroughly heated.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions down the center of the cheese topping.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy twist, consider mixing in some cream cheese along with the soup for extra richness. If you don't have frozen broccoli, fresh broccoli can be steamed and used instead. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses. To enhance the flavor, try adding in some cooked bacon or using leftover holiday ham.
Serving Suggestions
This Ham And Macaroni Twist Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some steamed green beans for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. Consider complementing the dish with a light dessert like fruit salad or a slice of Crandall Bread for a satisfying finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Macaroni Twist Casserole contains roughly 727 calories, with 34g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 893mg per serving (39% 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 a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini and elbow macaroni are traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in stores. Additionally, check that your cream of celery soup is gluten-free or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the ham and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You might also want to increase the cheese for added flavor and richness, making it a satisfying meatless meal.
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).