Don’t you love having recipes that take advantage of leftovers? Ham casserole is a perfect example of a holiday leftover that’s even better the second time around. Have fun with this amazing and super simple recipe. Ham and veggies smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce is a classic soul food casserole. This deliciousness is sure to be a hit at your next cookout. And no one will know you didn’t spend hours putting it together.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Ham Casserole
Toppings – Combine crushed crackers, melted butter, and parsley flakes in a small mixing bowl. Mix using a spatula until fully combined. Set aside. (Photo 1)Noodles – Cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions to al dente (It’s ok if they’re slightly underdone because they’ll cook again). Drain the noodles and set them aside until ready to assemble.Saute – Meanwhile, in a large cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat, then add olive oil. Add onion, celery, minced garlic, and thyme when the oil is slightly hot and the butter completely melts. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until the onion is translucent. (Photo 2)Add Veggies – Add the carrots, bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue sauteing for 3-4 more minutes or until the vegetables are slightly cooked. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, then stir until thoroughly combined and the flour dissolves. Cook for another minute or two to remove the raw flour taste. (Photos 3-4)Make Sauce – Reduce heat to low, then whisk the milk in and continue stirring until the mixture thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon, 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the cheddar and cream cheese, leaving about a handful of the cheddar cheese for topping. Mix with a wooden spoon until the cheese completely melts. (Photos 5-7)Assemble – Add drained egg noodles, ham, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste. (Photos 8-9)Bake – Transfer the ham casserole into a prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the surface and top with the cracker mixture. Bake until bubbly and heated through (about 20-25 minutes). (Photos 10-12)Serve – When the casserole is heated through, remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle top with some chopped fresh parsley, and serve.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This is a great make-ahead casserole. Add a bit more milk to the sauce, assemble, cover, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Optionally, you can wait to add the cracker topping right before it goes into the oven. Ham casserole will last 3-4 days in the fridge and 2-3 months in the freezer. Since all the ingredients are pre-cooked, you can put the frozen ham casserole in a cold oven and heat it to 350℉/177℃. Then bake for about an hour or until heated through. Or you can thaw it in the fridge overnight.
What to Serve With Ham Casserole
Sauteed Brussels sprouts, glazed baby carrots, and garlic pull-apart rolls turn this incredible one-pot meal into a complete spread worthy of your favorite guests. But a salad might be nice too. A tossed or bacon broccoli salad sounds fabulous.
More Soul-Satisfying Casserole Recipes to Try
Slow Cooker Green Bean CasseroleHashbrown Breakfast CasseroleLoaded Mashed Potato CasseroleSweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Conclusion
Any casserole recipe (especially ham) is comfort food in my book. What’s your favorite time-saving casserole? Let me know in the comments! 😍