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.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

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

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil until evenly coated. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1505.1 grams (1505.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3204

Total Fat 156.80g	201%
Saturated Fat 84.40g	422%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.90g
Cholesterol 598mg	199%
Sodium 8968mg	390%
Total Carbohydrate 239.50g	87%
Dietary Fiber 9.20g	33%
Total Sugars 38.60g
Protein 206.60g	413%

Vitamin D 229IU	1145%
Calcium 2317mg	178%
Iron 9mg	51%
Potassium 2488mg	53%

*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: 44.2%

Protein: 25.9%

Carbs: 30.0%