Ham Casserole
Ham casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender egg noodles with savory diced ham, creamy mushroom soup, and a medley of vegetables. The melted American cheese and hint of paprika elevate the flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. diced ham ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. uncooked medium egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. grated American cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 small can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 1 hour at 325°.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can substitute the egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if desired. If you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating peas or carrots, which pair well with the flavors. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and consider using leftover ham for added convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, or some crusty bread. For a heartier meal, you might consider serving it alongside Split Pea Soup to create a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the ham casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Casserole contains roughly 675 calories, with 20g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg per serving (27% 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 cooked noodles instead of uncooked?
Yes, you can use cooked noodles, but reduce the baking time to about 30 minutes, as they will already be partially cooked. This adjustment will help prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy or overcooked.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature, or increase baking time by 10-15 minutes if it goes in cold.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version by combining sautéed mushrooms with a roux and adding cream or milk for a similar 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).