Stringy Ham Cheese Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Stringy Ham Cheese Casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender pasta, savory ham, and a rich three-cheese sauce, it’s baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

• 9 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 9 oz cooked ham, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish evenly to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Step 3: Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, making sure the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 1 minute to create the base of the sauce.
6. Step 6: Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for about 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
7. Step 7: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until all the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
8. Step 8: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir to combine thoroughly.
9. Step 9: Fold diced ham and drained pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
10. Step 10: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
11. Step 11: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole surface.
12. Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
13. Step 13: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to achieve the best texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Substitute ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein option.
• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist without compromising taste.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in a little cream cheese with the milk.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan with your favorite melting cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole through the filling and topping steps, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Stringy Ham Cheese Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Stringy Ham Cheese Casserole is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender penne or rotini mixed with savory diced ham, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy trio of melted cheeses. Topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers a delightful combination of textures and rich flavors, perfect for a hearty family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 9 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 9 oz cooked ham, diced

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Base

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Topping

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish evenly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne or rotini in salted water until just al dente, meaning the pasta should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
4. Add Garlic and Cook: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, making sure the garlic becomes fragrant without browning to avoid bitterness.
5. Make Roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour, forming the base of the cream sauce.
6. Prepare Cream Sauce: Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer the mixture for approximately 3 minutes until it thickens slightly into a smooth sauce.
7. Incorporate Cheeses: Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
8. Season Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning.
9. Combine Pasta and Ham: Fold the diced ham and the cooked, drained pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
10. Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the ham and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking and topping coverage.
11. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole surface to create a crunchy, golden crust when baked.
12. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
13. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the texture.

Notes

• For a crispier breadcrumb topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
• To reduce fat, substitute whole milk with 2% milk but expect a slightly less creamy texture.
• This casserole can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving; cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness of the topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ham cheese casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy casserole, ham recipes, easy dinner casserole