Ham and Pea Casserole

Cozy up with this hearty Ham and Pea Casserole, a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender pasta, savory diced ham, and sweet bursts of peas in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy casserole recipe is topped with golden, seasoned breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch and is baked to bubbling perfection in just 30 minutes. Featuring a velvety cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce made from scratch, this dish is not only delicious but also great for meal prep or feeding a family of six. With simple pantry staples like uncooked pasta, frozen peas, and leftovers like cooked ham, this recipe is an excellent way to create a wholesome dinner with minimal effort. Serve this creamy casserole alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz uncooked pasta (e.g., penne or elbow macaroni)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 0.5 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a light layer of butter or cooking spray.

Step 2

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, peas, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil to create a crumbly topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy Ham and Pea Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2363.6 grams (2363.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4335

Total Fat 201.30g	258%
Saturated Fat 109.30g	547%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 713mg	238%
Sodium 12107mg	526%
Total Carbohydrate 383.00g	139%
Dietary Fiber 22.10g	79%
Total Sugars 57.50g
Protein 255.40g	511%

Vitamin D 316IU	1582%
Calcium 3008mg	231%
Iron 16mg	88%
Potassium 3688mg	78%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.5%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 35.1%