Ultimate Ham and Noodle Casserole with Broccoli: A Hearty Leftover Ham Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate solution for your leftover ham dilemma! This creamy, cheesy Ham and Noodle Casserole with Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food. Featuring tender egg noodles, a rich, savory sauce, vibrant broccoli florets, and a generous amount of two types of cheese, all crowned with a golden, buttery cracker crumb topping, this one-dish wonder is destined to become a family favorite. Perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into an exciting new culinary experience, this casserole promises warmth, flavor, and pure satisfaction.

Transform Leftover Ham into a Delicious Casserole

Every year, after festive occasions like Easter or Christmas, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of leftover ham. While classic ham sandwiches are always a hit, they can get a little repetitive. This Ham and Noodle Casserole offers a truly delicious and creative way to breathe new life into that succulent leftover ham, preventing food waste and delighting your taste buds simultaneously.

Casseroles are inherently wonderful for utilizing odds and ends from your refrigerator, and this recipe is a prime example. While it calls for 2 cups of diced ham, its flexibility means you could easily adjust the quantity. Have only 1 cup? No problem! Want to add a mix of proteins? A little leftover cooked turkey would also be a fantastic addition, enhancing the savory depth of the dish. This adaptability makes it a practical choice for busy weeknights and a clever way to stretch your ingredients.

Beyond its practicality, this casserole embodies the essence of hearty, homemade comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together around the table, offering a warm and satisfying embrace after a long day. If you’re looking for more innovative ideas to use up your ham, be sure to explore our extensive list of amazing leftover ham recipes for even more inspiration.

The magic of this casserole lies in its harmonious blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. We start with tender egg noodles, which provide a wonderfully chewy base. These are then enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce made from condensed cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, and a splash of milk, all seasoned perfectly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The addition of two types of cheese – sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella – ensures every spoonful is bursting with cheesy goodness. Finally, the crowning glory is a crunchy, buttery topping made from crushed Ritz crackers, adding a delightful textural contrast that completes this truly comforting experience.

Ham and Noodle Casserole: Expert Tips & Creative Variations

Creating the perfect Ham and Noodle Casserole is easier than you think, especially with a few helpful tips and ideas for customization. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these suggestions will help you achieve a delicious and memorable meal every time:

• Vegetable Swaps: While broccoli adds a fantastic color and nutritional boost, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Frozen peas are a classic and easy alternative, adding a touch of sweetness. You could also try diced carrots, corn kernels, or even sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Just ensure any additions are cooked until crisp-tender before mixing into the casserole.
• Cheese Choices: The combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella provides a wonderful balance of sharp flavor and creamy melt. However, don’t limit yourself! Swiss cheese offers a nutty undertone, Parmesan adds a salty kick, or even a Monterey Jack could bring a milder, meltier texture. A blend of cheeses often yields the most complex flavor.
• Perfectly Cooked Noodles: This is crucial for avoiding a mushy casserole. Since the noodles will continue to cook and absorb liquid in the oven, it’s best to undercook them slightly during the initial boil. Aim for al dente, cooking them towards the shorter end of the package directions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Casseroles are fantastic for meal prepping! You can assemble this entire casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply pop it into a preheated oven, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time to ensure it heats through evenly. This makes entertaining or busy weeknights a breeze.
• Topping Alternatives: The buttery Ritz cracker topping is iconic for a reason, but other options work beautifully too. Crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even a mixture of crushed potato chips can provide a delightful crunch. For an extra layer of flavor, toss your chosen topping with a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs before sprinkling over the cheese.
• Adding a Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce can add a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.

Storage and Reheating for Maximum Enjoyment

One of the many benefits of a hearty casserole like this Ham and Noodle Casserole with Broccoli is how well it holds up as leftovers. This makes it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

To store, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For reheating, individual portions can be warmed in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions or the entire casserole, cover it with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly warmed. Adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating can help maintain its creamy texture if it seems a bit dry.

Explore More Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes

If you’ve still got ham to spare, or simply can’t get enough of its savory flavor, we have an array of other fantastic recipes designed to make the most of your leftovers:

• Ham Pot Pie: A comforting classic with a rich filling and flaky crust.
• Ham Lasagna: Layered pasta, creamy sauce, and savory ham for an elevated meal.
• Creamy Ham and Tortellini Soup with White Beans: A hearty and warming soup perfect for chilly days.
• Pineapple and Ham Cheese Ball: A delightful appetizer with a sweet and savory kick.
• Ham Tetrazzini: A classic pasta bake reimagined with delicious ham.
• Cheesy Ham and Potato Chowder: A thick, creamy, and incredibly satisfying soup.
• Ranch Noodles with Ham: Quick and flavorful, great for a weeknight dinner.
• Broccoli and Ham Jiffy Cornbread: A savory twist on a beloved side dish.

Ham and Noodle Casserole with Broccoli

★★★★★ 5 from 9 votes

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 35 mins

Total: 50 mins

Servings: 6

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This delightful Ham and Noodle Casserole with Broccoli is a creamy, cheesy masterpiece, perfect for transforming leftover ham into an exciting new meal. Its satisfying texture and flavor, complemented by a crunchy, buttery cracker crumb topping, truly define comfort food.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked egg noodles
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets, steamed until crisp-tender
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 14 Ritz crackers, coarsely crushed

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, but aim for the shorter end of the suggested cooking time to ensure they are al dente. Remember, the noodles will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking them prevents a mushy texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Whisk the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until all seasonings are evenly distributed, creating a flavorful and aromatic sauce.
4. Combine Casserole Ingredients: Add the cooked egg noodles, diced cooked ham, steamed broccoli florets, and all but ½ cup of the shredded cheese (reserving the remaining cheese for the topping) to the large bowl with the creamy sauce. Gently stir all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the sauce and well mixed.
5. First Bake: Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
6. Add Topping and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and remove the foil. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the coarsely crushed Ritz crackers, tossing until the crumbs are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture generously over the cheese layer. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly. Serve warm and savor this comforting, cheesy, and delicious meal!

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal |
Carbohydrates: 40g |
Protein: 24g |
Fat: 24g |
Saturated Fat: 11g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g |
Trans Fat: 0.2g |
Cholesterol: 108mg |
Sodium: 1392mg |
Potassium: 299mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 814IU |
Vitamin C: 26mg |
Calcium: 311mg |
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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