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.
Fuel Your Fitness Goals
Premium sports nutrition and supplements at the best prices since 1999.
Over 25 years of sports nutrition excellence
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.
