Comforting Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delightful leftover ham and noodle casserole that turns yesterday’s meal into today’s culinary treasure.

Hearty ham chunks mingle with tender egg noodles in a creamy sauce that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Resourceful cooks know how to maximize flavor from simple ingredients, making this recipe a true kitchen champion.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

The golden, bubbling top hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath, promising a meal that feeds both body and soul.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a dish that transforms humble leftovers into a family favorite everyone will devour.

Leftover Ham and Noodle Casserole Reinvented Dinner

• This casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Transform your leftover ham into a delicious, comforting dish that breathes new life into yesterday's meal, reducing food waste and saving money.
• Packed with creamy sauce, tender noodles, savory ham, and melted cheese, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces.
• Easily adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand, this recipe offers flexibility for using up random ingredients in your refrigerator.

Ingredients for Noodle Casserole with Ham

• Ham: Leftover meat that adds rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
• Egg Noodles: Soft pasta that serves as the base of the casserole.
• Mixed Vegetables: Colorful and nutritious addition to the dish.

• Soup, Cream of Chicken: Provides a creamy base and helps bind ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and moist texture.
• Cheese: Melts and creates a delicious golden topping and internal richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

Tools to Prepare Ham and Noodle Bake

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling noodles with salt.
• Colander: Essential for draining cooked noodles.
• Mixing Bowl: Roomy bowl for combining sauce, cheese, and ingredients.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for fresh cheese if needed.

Casserole Assembly Directions Step by Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook egg noodles in a large pot of generously salted water until they’re tender and al dente.

While the pasta bubbles away, pull out your frozen vegetables and let them thaw completely.

Drain the noodles thoroughly, giving them a quick shake to remove excess water.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Condensed cream soup
• Tangy sour cream
• Whole milk
• Dried herbs and spices
• Shredded cheese (save some for topping)

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety, creating a luscious base for your casserole.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

• Diced leftover ham
• Thawed vegetables
• Cooked noodles

Ensure everything gets coated evenly with the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle the reserved cheese across the top for a beautiful golden crust.

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts and turns bubbly and slightly crisp around the edges.

The casserole will emerge hot, inviting, and irresistibly delicious.

Ham Noodle Casserole Pro Tips

• Add a dash of garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to elevate the casserole's taste profile.
• Prep ingredients ahead and refrigerate assembled casserole, then bake when ready to serve.
• Slightly undercook noodles before mixing to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Replace ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or vegetarian protein for variety.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a delightful crunchy layer before baking.

Fun Ways to Vary Ham and Noodle Casserole

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ham with cubed extra-firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasoning blend for protein-rich vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Casserole Remix: Swap regular noodles with gluten-free pasta, use cornstarch instead of flour-based soup, ensuring celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Edition: Select reduced-sodium cream soup, use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for flavor boost, replace some cheese with nutritional yeast for healthier profile.
• Seafood Transformation: Substitute ham with canned or fresh cooked salmon or white fish chunks, adding dill and lemon zest for coastal-inspired culinary experience.

Plating and Serving Casserole with Style

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a satisfying weekend morning meal that uses up leftover holiday ham.
• Side Dish Harmony: Complement the casserole with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to add a nutritious green element and provide textural contrast.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Storing Leftover Ham Noodle Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking midway to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What type of ham works best for this casserole?

Diced leftover ham from a holiday meal or deli ham both work great. Aim for about 2 cups of ham, and cut into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.

• Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests mixed vegetables, you can customize with frozen peas, carrots, broccoli, or whatever vegetables you have on hand. Just make sure they’re thawed before adding to the casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time. You can assemble it completely and refrigerate for 1-2 days before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing in advance.

Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty leftover ham & noodle casserole showcases classic comfort cooking from German kitchens. Cheesy pasta and savory ham combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups chopped cooked ham
• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
• 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook egg noodles in generously salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Defrost frozen mixed vegetables completely, ensuring no ice crystals remain.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, whole milk, dried thyme, black pepper, and two-thirds of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Fold chopped leftover ham, thawed vegetables, and drained noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly across the top of the casserole for a golden, melted finish.
7. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are bubbling.
8. Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Choose wide egg noodles for better sauce coating and easier eating.
• Dice ham into uniform small cubes to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Drain noodles thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and maintain sauce thickness.
• Add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and golden-brown texture before final baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg