Ham and Peas Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Ham and Peas Casserole is the perfect dinner solution for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Made with tender pasta, savory diced ham, and sweet pops of thawed peas, all coated in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, this baked dish delivers on both flavor and texture. A golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping—enhanced with parmesan and olive oil—adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite a delight. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s ideal for leftovers or meal prep. Whether you're looking for a way to use up leftover ham or simply craving a classic comfort food recipe, this easy ham and peas casserole is bound to become a favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1.5 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to make a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and chicken broth to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, thawed peas, and cheese sauce. Mix well.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2319.1 grams (2319.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3781

Total Fat 186.70g	239%
Saturated Fat 98.20g	491%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.10g
Cholesterol 713mg	238%
Sodium 12902mg	561%
Total Carbohydrate 289.50g	105%
Dietary Fiber 27.90g	100%
Total Sugars 60.50g
Protein 243.00g	486%

Vitamin D 224IU	1118%
Calcium 2660mg	205%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 3149mg	67%

*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: 44.1%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 30.4%