Delicious Leftover Ham Noodle Casserole

If you ask me, leftover ham is a gift that keeps on giving.

This cozy noodle casserole turns yesterday’s holiday ham into a family-friendly dinner that’s creamy and satisfying. Wide egg noodles and tender chunks of ham come together in a rich, cheese-filled sauce.

It’s topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown, creating that classic casserole comfort we all know and love. A handful of frozen peas adds a pop of color and freshness to the mix.

It’s a no-fuss meal that makes the most of what you have, perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you need something reliable and filling.

What Kind of Ham Should I Use?

Any leftover holiday ham will work perfectly in this casserole, whether it’s honey-baked, smoked, or plain baked ham. If you don’t have leftovers on hand, you can pick up ham steaks or diced ham from the grocery store’s meat department – just avoid using deli ham slices as they tend to be too thin and can get lost in the casserole. The best part about using leftover ham is that it’s already cooked and seasoned, which adds extra flavor to your dish. When dicing your ham, try to cut it into bite-sized cubes about 1/2 inch in size so they distribute evenly throughout the casserole.

Options for Substitutions

This cozy casserole is pretty adaptable and great for using what you have on hand:

• Ham: No leftover ham? You can use diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even crumbled bacon. For a meatless version, try using sautéed mushrooms.
• Egg noodles: Regular pasta works great here too – try rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just cook them about 1 minute less than package directions since they’ll continue cooking in the casserole.
• Canned soup: Either cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup works, but cream of mushroom or cream of celery are good alternatives. If you’re using cream of mushroom, add an extra 1/4 cup of cheese for more cheesy flavor.
• Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream. You can also use cream cheese (softened) for an extra rich result.
• Shredded cheese: While the cheddar-mozzarella mix is great, feel free to use any melting cheese you have – Monterey Jack, Colby, or Swiss all work well. Just avoid hard aged cheeses as they won’t melt as smoothly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making ham noodle casserole is overcooking the egg noodles before they go into the casserole – they should be slightly underdone (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions) since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

Another common error is not stirring the sauce ingredients thoroughly enough, which can lead to uneven patches of dairy throughout the casserole – make sure your sour cream and soup are completely combined for a smooth, creamy result.

To prevent a dry casserole, avoid skipping the resting period after baking; letting it sit for 10-15 minutes allows the sauce to thicken and settle, making it easier to serve and ensuring each bite is perfectly creamy.

For the best texture, don’t overload the top with cheese too early in the baking process – add the final layer of cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown top without burning.

What to Serve With Ham Noodle Casserole?

Since this ham and noodle casserole is rich and creamy, it pairs really well with simple vegetable sides that can balance out the meal. A basic steamed broccoli or green beans would work great, or you could go with a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. For something warm and comforting, roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts make excellent companions to this dish – just toss them with olive oil and seasonings before popping them in the oven. If you’re feeding a crowd, some warm dinner rolls or crusty bread on the side can help soak up all that tasty sauce!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This ham noodle casserole is perfect for leftovers! Place any remaining portions in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge – it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together overnight.

Freeze: Want to save some for later? Let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember that the noodles might be a bit softer after thawing, but it’ll still taste great!

Warm Up: To enjoy your leftover casserole, heat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For better results, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil. If it seems a bit dry, splash in a little milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	35-40 minutes
Total Time	50-60 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2200-2500
• Protein: 120-130 g
• Fat: 140-160 g
• Carbohydrates: 175-200 g

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste after mixing)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 16 oz egg noodles (I use Dutch Country Egg Noodles, wide)
• 1 can cheddar cheese soup (cream of chicken also works but cheddar adds more flavor)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups diced ham (from leftover holiday ham)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup milk (whole milk for richness)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.

Once they are done, drain them well and set them aside for later incorporation into the casserole mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your choice of soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings until everything is well combined and smooth.

Stir in the ham, 1 and 1/2 cups of cheese, and the cooked egg noodles until all elements are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

The covered baking will ensure a creamy casserole.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve the Casserole

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the casserole from the oven.

Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your cheesy, comforting ham and noodle casserole!