Heart-Healthy Cheesy Ham Casserole
Indulge in comfort food without sacrificing nutrition with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Ham Casserole, a wholesome twist on a classic family favorite! Packed with fiber-rich whole wheat pasta, lean low-sodium ham, and vibrant veggies like spinach, red bell pepper, and onion, this casserole delivers both flavor and nutrients in every bite. The creamy cheese sauce is made with reduced-fat cheddar, skim milk, and a splash of chicken broth, giving you the indulgent, cheesy goodness you love without the guilt. Seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and thyme, and baked to bubbly perfection, this easy-to-make casserole is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep. Ready in under an hour, this dish offers a satisfying balance of heart-healthy ingredients and rich, homemade flavor. Perfect for feeding up to six, it’s a delicious way to bring everyone to the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces low-sodium cooked ham, diced
- 1.5 cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup skim milk
- 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 4 cups spinach, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the diced low-sodium ham and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring it is warmed through.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth and skim milk over medium heat. Gradually add the whole wheat flour, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a sauce, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese into the sauce, allowing it to melt completely.
Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables and ham mixture, spinach, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Season with black pepper and dried thyme, stirring until everything is evenly mixed.
Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy cheesy ham casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1529 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.7 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.0 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 211 mg | 70% | |
| Sodium | 2550 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 127.4 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.3 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.7 g | ||
| Protein | 131.2 g | 262% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 1872 mg | 144% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 3323 mg | 71% | |
*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.
