Underground Ham Casserole
Underground Ham Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish with savory ham, tender noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with mashed potatoes and crispy bacon—perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked ham, oleo, chopped onion, and Worcestershire sauce in a skillet and cook until onions are soft.
- Place the cooked ham mixture in the bottom of a roaster or baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Velveeta cheese until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked noodles and ham mixture in the roaster.
- Mash the potatoes and mix in sour cream and some milk until smooth.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the noodle and ham mixture.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more milk to the cheese sauce. You can substitute the Velveeta cheese with any creamy cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar if preferred. If you want to add more vegetables, consider mixing in some frozen peas or corn. This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve it alongside garlic bread or rolls. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, and it’s sure to be a hit among those who love American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Underground Ham Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Underground Ham Casserole contains roughly 1218 calories, with 21g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (52% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 808mg per serving (35% 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 leftover ham from a holiday meal for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham from holiday meals works perfectly for this casserole. Just ensure it is properly chunked and heated through during the cooking process to enhance the flavors.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ham with cooked mushrooms or a meat alternative, and using vegetable broth instead of the Worcestershire sauce. Ensure to choose a vegetarian cheese as well.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
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).