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If you're craving something comforting and cheesy, this Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole is your go-to dish. It's a delightful mix of pasta, diced ham, and shredded cheese all wrapped up in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck, this casserole is easy to whip up and sure to please everyone at the table. Let's dive into this cheesy goodness!
Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, ham, and cheese. Pour sauce over and mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
What You Will Need
Read more: Ham and Pasta Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole
- Pasta: Provides the base, absorbing flavors from the sauce, ham, and cheese, creating a hearty, satisfying dish.
- Ham: Adds a savory, meaty element, balancing the creaminess of the cheese and sauce.
- Cheese: Melts into a gooey, flavorful layer, binding the ingredients together and adding richness.
- Milk: Forms the creamy sauce, helping to blend flavors and keep the casserole moist.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux for the sauce.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency throughout the casserole.
Tools and Instruments Required
- Saucepan: Needed to make the creamy sauce by melting butter, cooking flour, and thickening milk.
- Mixing bowl: Used to combine pasta, ham, cheese, and sauce evenly before baking.
- Baking dish: Essential for baking the casserole to achieve a bubbly, golden finish.
- Whisk: Helps in smoothly blending the flour and milk for a lump-free sauce.
- Oven: Required to bake the casserole at the right temperature for proper cooking.
Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole with ham, cheese, and pasta.
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Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
Read more: Ham and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, ham, and cheese. Pour sauce over and mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Notes:
Feel free to add some veggies like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
Read more: Baked Pasta and Cheese Casserole Recipe
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook pasta and prepare sauce as directed.
- Mix pasta, ham, cheese, and sauce.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven and bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake.
- Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
- Label with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce can enhance the flavor of the cheese and give the casserole a subtle, warm note.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
About 45 minutes total, including cooking and baking time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix works well.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Peas, broccoli, or bell peppers are great additions.
What type of pasta works best?
Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni will do.
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