Ham Casserole with Asparagus and Cheddar Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Ham Casserole with Asparagus and Cheddar Cheese—a comforting, one-dish masterpiece that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This baked casserole layers tender pasta, savory diced ham, and vibrant asparagus in a luxuriously smooth cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with a golden, bubbly crust of Parmesan and optional crispy breadcrumbs. With just 20 minutes of prep time and customizable options for your favorite pasta shapes, this recipe is a flavorful and satisfying way to use up leftover ham. Whether served as a hearty main dish or paired with a crisp green salad, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for special occasions.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup bread crumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue whisking until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add bread crumbs for a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
654 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.6 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 111 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1809 mg | 79% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.1 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 43.3 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 508 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 702 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
