Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole

Introduction

Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole is your answer to transforming post-holiday ham into a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dinner in under an hour. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chunks of savory ham, this dish is the definition of comfort food. With pantry-friendly noodles and a handful of veggies, it’s the ultimate solution for feeding a hungry family or preparing satisfying leftovers for the next day.

Why This Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole Is a Standout

This recipe is beloved for its versatility, ease, and irresistible flavor. The slightly crisp topping, tender noodles, and juicy ham make every forkful memorable. Plus, it’s an ideal way to use up leftovers without sacrificing taste or freshness. Best of all, you can swap in your favorite vegetables, cheese, or pasta shapes to make it uniquely yours.

Essential Prep: Chopping & Sautéing

Dice onions, celery, and carrots evenly for even cooking and a hearty bite. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes this task quick and uniform, giving your casserole the perfect foundation.

Sauté the vegetables until slightly softened, which brings out their sweetness and melds flavors before they bake.

Building the Creamy Casserole Base

In a nonstick skillet, whisk together a simple roux and slowly add the milk, forming a silky sauce that envelopes the noodles and ham. For even cooking without sticking, the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures your sauce comes together smoothly and cleans up in a breeze.

Stir in shredded cheese and allow it to melt fully into the sauce for a perfectly creamy base.

Assembling & Baking for Golden Perfection

Combine noodles, ham, veggies, and sauce in a large mixing bowl. Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless release and cleanup post-bake.

Sprinkle the top with extra cheese and a handful of buttery breadcrumbs before baking. Use KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set to safely handle your bubbling, golden casserole as it comes out of the oven.

Serving, Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This hearty casserole can be prepped in advance, making lunchboxes easy the next day. Pack single servings into an airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers so the flavors stay fresh and reheating is simple.

Pair with a crisp salad or simply garnish with chopped parsley for an attractive and complete meal.

Nutritional Information & Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 servings, each at about 400–450 calories depending on your cheese and noodle choices. Packed with protein and calcium from the ham and cheese, it’s a wholesome dinner perfect for making the most out of leftovers.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
2. In a large pot, cook egg noodles according to package directions until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. While the noodles cook, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to chop onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté these vegetables in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Push the veggies to the edge of the pan and melt 2 tbsp butter in the center. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
5. Off heat, stir in 1½ cups cheddar cheese and the sour cream. Fold in ham, thawed peas, and cooked noodles. Ensure everything is evenly coated.
6. Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. If using, combine panko and melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let sit 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole: Final Thoughts

This casserole is the perfect way to turn leftover ham into a brand new meal the whole family will love. With gooey cheese, hearty noodles, and a medley of veggies, it’s destined to become a weeknight staple. Easy to customize and even easier to assemble, it’s the crowd-pleasing answer to the post-holiday dinner dilemma.