Ham Noodle Casserole
Ham Noodle Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish featuring tender noodles, savory ham, and a creamy vegetable mixture topped with crunchy cracker crumbs. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers rich flavors and hearty textures that satisfy all ages with its warm, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. medium noodles ⓘ
- 1 can condensed Cheddar cheese soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sour cream
- 1/2 c. celery, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 1/2 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. pimiento, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. snipped parsley ⓘ
- 2 c. fully cooked ground ham ⓘ
- 3/4 c. rich round crackers, finely crushed
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
Instructions
- Cook noodles in boiling, unsalted water until tender. Drain.
- In a large bowl, stir together the condensed Cheddar cheese soup, milk, and sour cream.
- Add sliced celery, drained mushrooms, chopped pimiento, and snipped parsley to the mixture.
- Stir in the cooked noodles and fully cooked ground ham.
- Turn the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Combine crushed round crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes at 375°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or cheese soup. If you don’t have pimiento, chopped bell peppers can be a great substitute. For a crunchier topping, use crushed potato chips instead of round crackers. This casserole is also great with a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ham Noodle Casserole hot, garnished with additional parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting dinner, consider serving it alongside Baked Beans Extraordinaire or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but this may make the topping less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Noodle Casserole contains roughly 854 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
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 meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Medium egg noodles are the traditional choice for this casserole, but you can also use rotini or penne for a fun twist. Just make sure to cook them al dente since they will continue to cook in the oven.
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).