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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Ham: Fold the diced ham and the cooked, drained pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Fill Baking Dish: Transfer the ham and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking and topping coverage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
