Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole: A Delicious Way to Use Up Leftovers

When it comes to creating hearty, comforting meals, casseroles are always a go-to option. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for using up leftovers. One casserole that’s a favorite among many is the Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to do with that leftover ham after a big holiday meal or a Sunday dinner, this casserole is the answer. It’s a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of ham with tender noodles and a creamy sauce. Not only is it a great way to repurpose leftovers, but it also results in a dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Why Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole?

Leftovers are often seen as a challenge to get creative with, but they also offer a unique opportunity to craft new and exciting dishes. Ham, in particular, is a great ingredient for leftovers. It’s flavorful, versatile, and can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create an entirely new dish. The Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole is the ideal way to transform those leftover slices of ham into a rich, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy. It’s an easy dish to assemble, and the combination of ham, noodles, and creamy sauce offers a perfect balance of comfort and convenience.

This casserole is also customizable based on the ingredients you have on hand. While the basic recipe calls for ham, noodles, and a creamy sauce, there’s plenty of room for creativity. You can add vegetables, different types of cheese, or even swap out the noodles for another type of pasta. The beauty of casseroles is their adaptability, which makes this Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole an excellent option for using up leftovers and pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the recipe itself, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole. These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and likely already in your kitchen:

• Leftover Ham: Of course, the star of the show here is the ham. You’ll want to use about 2 cups of leftover ham, diced or shredded into small pieces. If you don’t have leftover ham on hand, you can always use store-bought ham steaks or any other type of cooked ham.
• Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are typically the best choice for this casserole because of their tender texture, but you can substitute other types of pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli if you prefer.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a classic ingredient in casseroles, providing creaminess and richness to the sauce. If you prefer a different flavor, you can use cream of chicken soup or even homemade béchamel sauce.
• Milk: You’ll need milk to thin out the soup and create a creamy sauce. Whole milk is preferred for its richness, but low-fat milk can be substituted if you’re looking for a lighter version.
• Shredded Cheese: The cheese adds a creamy, melty component to the casserole. Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice, but you can also mix in mozzarella or a cheese blend for added flavor.
• Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, adds a savory flavor to the casserole. It helps to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce and adds a bit of depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings are used to enhance the flavor of the casserole. They’re simple, yet effective, and will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
• Black Pepper and Salt: To taste, these seasonings are essential to balance the flavors in the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs (Optional): Some recipes call for a breadcrumb topping for added texture. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs and even sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking.

The Benefits of Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole

There are several reasons why this Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole is such a great dish to prepare. Here are just a few of the benefits that make it a go-to recipe in any household:

1. Easy and Quick to Make: One of the biggest advantages of casseroles is their simplicity. They require minimal preparation and can be assembled in under 30 minutes. Once the ingredients are combined, the casserole bakes in the oven for about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
2. Customizable: As mentioned, casseroles are incredibly adaptable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to make it more nutritious. Swap in different types of cheese or even add some herbs for a fresh twist.
3. Feeds a Crowd: This casserole recipe is perfect for feeding a large group. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing for a potluck or gathering, the casserole can easily be scaled up to accommodate more people.
4. Saves Time and Money: Leftovers are a great way to reduce food waste, and by using leftover ham, you’re saving both time and money. Casseroles are a fantastic way to stretch ingredients and turn small amounts of leftover meat into a filling, satisfying meal.
5. Comforting and Filling: The combination of creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory ham makes this casserole a comforting and filling meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for those colder months or whenever you’re craving something hearty and warm.

Cooking Instructions: How to Make Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole

Now that you know why this casserole is so wonderful, let’s walk through the steps to make the perfect Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole. It’s an easy recipe that even beginner cooks can master in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. It’s important not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue cooking in the casserole while it bakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham and Veggies

While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or butter and sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes. If you’re adding any additional vegetables, such as peas or carrots, add them to the skillet now and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. If you like your casserole to be extra creamy, you can add a bit more milk or a dollop of sour cream.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed onions and vegetables, diced ham, and the creamy soup mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with shredded cheese. If you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top for added crunch.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to set and makes it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Tips for the Best Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole

• Use leftover ham: The beauty of this casserole is that it’s made from leftover ham, but if you don’t have any, you can always use cooked ham steaks or even deli ham slices.
• Add more veggies: To make this casserole more nutritious, consider adding frozen peas, carrots, or corn. You can even throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Choose your cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss.
• Make it your own: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings or ingredients based on your preferences. A little Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Leftover Ham & Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made from simple ingredients that come together to create something truly delicious. It’s perfect for using up that leftover holiday ham or any other leftover ham you have in your fridge. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need an easy weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try the next time you find yourself with leftover ham—you won’t regret it!

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