Easy Ham & Cheese Casserole for Busy Nights

Whip up a quick and comforting Ham & Cheese Casserole perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying without a lot of fuss. This classic casserole combines tender ham, creamy cheese, and a comforting base that’s ready in no time, making it your go-to dinner solution when time is tight but flavor still matters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy prep: This Ham & Cheese Casserole comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Comfort food classic: The creamy cheese and savory ham provide that warm, nostalgic taste everyone loves.
• One-dish convenience: No juggling multiple pots and pans; everything bakes together for easy clean-up.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, helping you save money and reduce waste.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses or veggies to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is key to making this Ham & Cheese Casserole both quick and delicious. Each item plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so comforting.

• Diced ham: Use cooked ham chunks for a hearty, savory bite in every spoonful.
• Elbow macaroni: A tender pasta base that holds the sauce and cheese beautifully.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For that gooey, melty richness that binds everything together.
• Milk: Adds a creamy element to the sauce, ensuring luscious moisture.
• Butter: Helps create a velvety cheese sauce and prevents sticking.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Onion powder: Adds a gentle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.

Variations for Ham & Cheese Casserole

This Ham & Cheese Casserole recipe is a fantastic starting point, and you can easily tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the cheese, or go gluten-free, it’s adaptable and forgiving.

• Swap the pasta: Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or allergy-friendly twist.
• Add vegetables: Toss in peas, broccoli, or bell peppers to amp up nutrition and color.
• Cheese variations: Mix cheddar with mozzarella, Gruyère, or Gouda for a different cheesy profile.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle in some smoked paprika or mustard powder for a subtle kick.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess.

How to Make Ham & Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, as this will be the tender base for your casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the cheese sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 3: Add cheese and seasoning

Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of your sauce.

Step 4: Combine ham and pasta

Mix the diced ham and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated beautifully.

Step 5: Bake the casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Pro Tips for Making Ham & Cheese Casserole

• Choose good-quality ham: The star ingredient benefits from smoky, flavorful ham for the best taste.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercook your macaroni so it holds texture after baking.
• Use sharp cheddar: A sharper cheese adds more depth and balances the creaminess.
• Stir sauce continuously: To prevent lumps when making the roux and sauce, keep whisking steadily.
• Cover while baking: Use foil during baking to prevent the dish from drying out, removing it the last few minutes for a golden crust.

How to Serve Ham & Cheese Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring a burst of color and a hint of brightness to balance the richness of the casserole.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a complete, balanced meal that adds freshness to the creamy dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or scoop into warm bread bowls to turn it into a fun, edible serving vessel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Ham & Cheese Casserole completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for easy reheating.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, keeping it fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in Ham & Cheese Casserole?

Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but mixing in mozzarella, Swiss, or Gouda can add wonderful flavor dimensions and extra gooeyness.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the fully baked casserole or assemble it and freeze before baking. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the ham with cooked vegetables like mushrooms or roasted red peppers, and use vegetable broth if your recipe calls for stock.

What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?

Pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work perfectly in this casserole and may even hold onto the cheese sauce better.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use reduced-fat cheese, whole wheat pasta, and add abundant veggies to increase fiber and nutrients without sacrificing comfort.

Final Thoughts

This Ham & Cheese Casserole is a delightful recipe that combines ease, flavor, and warmth in one satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or craving that perfect comfort meal, give this casserole a try and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness it brings to your table tonight.

Related Posts

• Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Idea
• Best Crockpot Barbecue Ribs for Easy Dinners
• Easy Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes Recipe

Print