Ham & Cheese Casserole
I got this recipe from my mother and love it because it’s easy and I’ve usually got the ingredients on hand. It freezes well, so I can have an extra ham and cheese casserole handy for when guests show up. Everyone always likes it; there are never leftovers.
I got this recipe from my mother and love it because it’s easy and I’ve usually got the ingredients on hand. It freezes well, so I can have an extra ham and cheese casserole handy for when guests show up. Everyone always likes it; there are never leftovers.
- Carbohydrate 36.5106250000217 g
- Cholesterol 61.0062500777337 mg
- Fat 24.0313625293255 g
- Fiber 12.5839995384216 g
- Protein 8.90478750030732 g
- Saturated Fat 14.8031500185722 g
- Serving Size 1 1 casseroles (8 servings each). (1063g)
- Sodium 177.960000208254 mg
- Sugar 23.9266254616001 g
- Trans Fat 1.83861250205289 g
- Calories 392 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ham, soup, beans and milk.
- Drain pasta; pour over ham mixture and toss to coat.
- Transfer to two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes.
- Drizzle each with butter; sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Freeze option: Cool unbaked casseroles; cover and freeze up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165 degrees.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Ham & Cheese Casserole
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, delicious. This Ham & Cheese Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It's a recipe passed down from my mother, a culinary treasure I've relied on for years. The best part? It's incredibly versatile – perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or even a last-minute meal for unexpected guests.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples – ham, cream of chicken soup, egg noodles, and cheese – things I usually have on hand. This eliminates the stress of last-minute grocery runs, a lifesaver when you're juggling work, kids, and everything in between. Beyond its convenience, the flavor is consistently amazing. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the savory ham and tender noodles. It's a classic combination that never fails to please, even the pickiest eaters in my family.
But the real magic of this recipe is its freezer-friendliness. I often make a double batch, baking one casserole for dinner and freezing the other for a future meal. Knowing I have a delicious, ready-to-bake casserole tucked away in the freezer brings immense peace of mind. It's the perfect solution for those busy days or unexpected company. The frozen casserole reheats beautifully, with little to no loss of flavor or texture. Just pop it in the oven, and within minutes, you have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy.
Beyond its practicality, this ham and cheese casserole holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to my family history, a taste of home, and a comforting reminder of simpler times. Every bite evokes warm memories of family gatherings and the aroma of freshly baked goodness filling the kitchen. It's a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m happy to carry on the tradition, sharing it with my own family and friends.
This casserole isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It’s the feeling of warmth and comfort on a chilly evening. It’s the satisfaction of creating something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. And it's the joy of sharing a simple, yet incredibly satisfying meal with those you love. So, give this recipe a try – I'm confident it will quickly become a staple in your home, just as it has in mine.
Tips and Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses would all work well.
- Add other vegetables to the casserole, such as peas, carrots, or corn.
- If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the casserole.
- To make it a complete meal, serve with a side salad and crusty bread.
This Ham & Cheese Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug, a taste of home, and a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. Enjoy!
