When you need a hearty and satisfying meal but don’t have much time or energy, this easy Smoked Ham and Noodle Casserole is the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will love. It’s a great fallback recipe for busy nights or when you’re not sure what to cook.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it also uses ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. It’s a simple way to transform humble ingredients like flat egg noodles and smoked ham into a delicious meal. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week!
How to make Smoked Ham and Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces dry flat egg noodles
- 3 cups diced smoked ham
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups milk
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish.
- Spread the dry egg noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter the diced smoked ham evenly over the noodles.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the noodles and ham, pressing the noodles down gently with the back of a spoon so they are mostly covered by the liquid.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir gently to separate the noodles, then return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the noodles are tender and the top is lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle and thicken slightly.
How to serve Smoked Ham and Noodle Casserole
Serve this cozy casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables on the side. For added flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, on top before serving.
How to store Smoked Ham and Noodle Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in an airtight container, where it can last for up to 2-3 months.
Tips to make Smoked Ham and Noodle Casserole
- You can add other vegetables, like peas or broccoli, to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Make sure to stir the casserole after removing the foil; this helps the noodles cook evenly.
- Adjust the amount of milk based on your preference for a creamier or thicker sauce.
Variation
If you want to change up the flavor, consider using a different type of meat, such as diced chicken or turkey. You could also substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh noodles instead of dry?
Yes, you can use fresh noodles, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they typically cook faster than dry noodles.
2. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can use an equal amount of cream of mushroom soup or any other condensed cream soup of your choice.
3. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles and check that your ham and cream soup are also gluten-free.
Smoked Ham and Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish.
- Spread the dry egg noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter the diced smoked ham evenly over the noodles.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the noodles and ham, pressing the noodles down gently with the back of a spoon so they are mostly covered by the liquid.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir gently to separate the noodles, then return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the noodles are tender and the top is lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle and thicken slightly.
