This ham and noodle casserole is the cozy dinner you’ll crave after the holidays—or anytime you need to use up leftover ham. Creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying, it’s a classic comfort food that’s big on flavor but easy on effort.
Ham is a staple in my house for it’s flavor and versatility. Two of my favorites are pineapple brown sugar crock pot ham and my glazed spiral ham recipe for the air fryer.
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Why this Ham and Noodle Casserole Recipe is a Keeper
When you need a warm, filling dinner with pantry basics, this leftover ham recipe checks every box.
- Comfort Food Supreme: It embodies warmth, nostalgia, and a hearty satisfaction, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
- Delicious Flavor Profile: A good recipe strikes a balance between savory ham, tender noodles, a creamy sauce, and often a cheesy topping, creating a harmonious and addictive taste.
- Economical and Resourceful: It’s a great way to use up leftover Easter ham (or Christmas), making it a budget-friendly and waste-reducing meal.
- Hearty and Filling: A single serving is usually quite substantial, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or providing satisfying leftovers.
- Customizable: As you’ll see in the “Variations” section, it’s incredibly adaptable to different tastes, ingredients on hand, and dietary preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The ability to assemble it ahead of time is a huge bonus for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, from kids to adults, making it a safe bet for gatherings.
What Kind of Noodles Work Best for this Ham and Noodle Casserole?
I like to use short pastas such as penne, rotini or bow tie when I make this quick and easy ham casserole.
Pro Tip for Ham Noodle Casserole without Soup
Undercook your noodles to just shy of al dente.
Ingredient Notes for Cheesy Ham and Noodle Casserole
This is a “use what you’ve got” kind of recipe—perfect for weeknights or the day after a big holiday meal.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cooked Chunks of Ham: Dice cooked ham into small pieces for even distribution.
- Egg Noodles: Cook the Egg Noodles. Traditional and cook quickly—don’t overboil cooked egg noodles.
- Peas (optional): Frozen peas are a classic veggie add-in for creamy ham casserole with noodles.
Variations for German Ham and Noodle Casserole
Make this casserole your own with a few easy swaps like adding vegetables. It is so easy to have dinner on the table quickly and easily.
- Protein Swaps: If you want to make with leftover ham, feel free to try a different meat.
- Chicken or Turkey: Cooked, shredded, or diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works great).
- Sausage: Cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian: Omit meat and increase vegetables, or add plant-based ham alternatives.
- Noodle Alternatives: Try different pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi or shell pasta or rice for different textures. Feel free to substitute your favorite gluten free pasta if needed.
- Mixed Vegetables: Try adding other vegetables like carrots, broccoli florets, cauliflower, spinach, corn or green beans.
- Soup: Use cream of celery soup or cream of chicken soup as a shortcut base. You can also sub homemade cream of mushroom soup.
- Sour Cream: Add a little sour cream to make a sour cream sauce for added tang and creaminess.
- Cheese: In addition to parmesan, try adding different cheese like sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Monterey jack cheese or Swiss cheese.
How to Make this Recipe for Ham Tetrazzini
This ham & noodle casserole dish recipe comes together in just 5 easy to follow steps. This is the best leftover ham casserole recipe and it’s one of my favorite ways to use ham from easter in a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, melt some butter and cook the onions until golden. Then add the mushrooms and cook. Transfer veggies to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Melt some more butter in the pot. In another pot, cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make a Roux: Whisk flour into the melted butter, then add the milk. Season with thyme, salt and pepper, and cook until thickened.
- Add Ham and the Mix-Ins: Stir in the cooked veggies, chicken broth, cooked pasta, peas and cooked ham, and heat thoroughly. Pour the noodle mixture into a baking dish and top with parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Set oven to broil and cook the casserole baking dish until cheese is melted.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for this Easy Weeknight Dinner
Make dinner even easier by planning ahead:
- Cook Noodles: Cook and drain noodles up to a day ahead. Toss lightly with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Dice Ham and Veggies: Chop ham, onions, celery, etc., up to 2-3 days in advance and store separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Shred Cheese: Shred cheese ahead of time and keep refrigerated.
- Make Sauce (if homemade): If making a béchamel or similar sauce from scratch, you can make it a day ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking well, before combining with other ingredients.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Easy and Delicious Ham Casserole
Instead of baking in the oven this cheesy casserole recipe another way by using your crock pot.
- Slow Cooker: This method works best for a creamier, less crispy-topped casserole.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
No waste here—this great recipe for ham and cheese casserole is even better the next day.
- Storage: Place cooled leftover casserole in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Oven (Best Method): For best results (especially for larger portions or whole casserole), reheat in an oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes for individual portions, or 30-45 minutes for a larger dish, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
- Using Leftovers: This noodle bake is great on it’s own, but feel free to turn the leftovers into another easy dinner.
- Turn into Soup: Thin out with extra broth or milk, add more diced vegetables (like potatoes or corn), and simmer gently for a hearty soup.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Scoop the leftover casserole into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until peppers are tender and casserole is heated through. Top with extra cheese.
Common Questions About Egg Noodle Casserole Recipe
My Ham and Noodle Casserole is Dry. What Went Wrong?
Baking for too long at too high of a temperature can dry out your casserole. If that’s not the case, then there may not have been enough liquid added to keep the moisture.
How Do I Prevent the Topping from Getting too Brown?
If you find that the parmesan on top is too brown, next time don’t broil as long or bake at a lower temperature.
Expert Tips for Making Ham and Pasta Casserole
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Boil noodles a minute or two less than package directions indicate (al dente). They will finish cooking in the oven, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Render Ham Fat (Optional but Recommended): If your ham has some fat, rendering it slightly in a pan before adding it to the casserole can add a depth of flavor. Use a bit of that rendered fat to start your roux if making a homemade sauce.
- Season the Sauce Well: Taste your sauce before combining it. It should be flavorful and slightly seasoned, as the noodles and ham will absorb some of that flavor during baking. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and perhaps a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make them melt less smoothly. Grating your own cheese results in a creamier sauce and a better melt on top.
- Mix Thoroughly but Gently: Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed in the sauce, but don’t aggressively stir, which can break down the noodles.
- Don’t Skimp on the Topping: A good crunchy or cheesy topping is essential for texture contrast.
- Rest After Baking: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This allows the sauce to set up and prevents it from being too runny.
- Adjust Liquid if Using Frozen Veggies: If adding a lot of frozen vegetables (especially un-thawed ones), they will release moisture. You might need to slightly reduce other liquids or bake a bit longer.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, and any other seasonings as needed. Remember, flavors can mellow slightly during baking.
- What to Serve Ham and Noodle Casserole: Serve this ham tetrazzini recipe with Cucumber Pepper Salad, Honey Butter Skillet Corn or Strawberry Pudding.
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Ham and Noodle Casserole
This easy ham and noodle casserole is the perfect comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and a great way to use up leftover ham. It’s freezer-friendly, totally customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or holiday leftovers.
Equipment
- Measuring Cups ans Spoons
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Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Butter, divided
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1 cup Sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup All-Purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- ¼ teaspoon Salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme, (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ cup Chicken broth
- 8 ounces Pasta, approximately 2 ½ cups
- 1 cup Green peas, we used frozen
- 2 cups Ham, cooked and chopped
- ¼ cup Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Once hot and melted, add the onions and cook until golden, about 4 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until your desired color and texture. (We did 4 minutes.)
- Remove the onions and mushrooms to a small bowl.
- Place the remaining butter in the pot.
- Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to package directions.
- Whisk the flour into the hot, melted butter to form a roux, then whisk in the milk. Season with salt, pepper and thyme and cook for 8 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the chicken broth, pasta, green peas and cooked ham and cook until ham is warmed through.
- Set oven to broil.
- Pour the pasta mixture into an 8" x 8" casserole dish and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese overtop.
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and broil until cheese is golden and melted.
Christina’s Notes
- Freeze It Right: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and label clearly.
- Cheese Combo Counts: Sharp cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for melt.
- Pasta Matters: Use sturdy noodles and don’t overcook before baking.
- Top It Off: A buttery crumb topping adds great texture.
Helpful Tips for All RecipesThese quick tips will help you get perfect results every time.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Nutrition
Calories: 482kcalCarbohydrates: 84gProtein: 13gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 245mgPotassium: 684mgFiber: 8gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 604IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 181mgIron: 3mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
Did You Make This Recipe?Leave a review & star rating to let everyone know what you thought.
I liked the recipe. Next time I would use a bit more mushrooms. I did have to thin the sauce a bit with pasta water. All in all, I would make this recipe again. It was a great way to use up leftover ham.
Great recipe but you left out when to add the mushrooms and onions back in.