Ham Cheese Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and cheesy Ham Cheese Casserole! Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed with a creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, flavorful diced ham, and a touch of Dijon mustard and paprika for added depth. Topped with a golden, crispy layer of panko breadcrumbs, this baked dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, making it a quick and satisfying option for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Bursting with savory goodness and customizable with fresh parsley garnish, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Ideal for meal prep or reheating leftovers, it’s a hearty and delicious way to utilize cooked ham. Perfect keywords: ham casserole, cheese casserole, easy baked casserole, comfort food recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in the dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and mix in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ham, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta and ham with the sauce.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil until evenly coated. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
615 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.2 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 111 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1637 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.1 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 39.6 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 519 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 414 mg | 9% | |
*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.
