Delicious Ham Casserole Recipes for Easy Family Dinners

Comfort food is always a go-to for busy families, offering simplicity in preparation and a hearty satisfaction that is hard to beat. One such dish that checks all these boxes is the Ham Casserole. This versatile meal allows you to use up leftover ham while combining it with a variety of ingredients to create something uniquely delicious every time. Here, we dive into some of the best Ham Casserole Recipes that promise to make your family dinners both easy and delectable.

Classic Ham and Potato Casserole

Let’s start with a timeless favorite - the Classic Ham and Potato Casserole. This dish is not just about the ease of preparation but also about the comfort it brings to the dinner table. Here’s how you can make it:

• 2 cups of diced ham
• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer the potato slices in a greased casserole dish, followed by a layer of ham.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the layers, making sure to cover everything evenly.
5. Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
6. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
7. Bake for about 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

This casserole combines the creaminess of potatoes with the savory richness of ham, providing a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

💡 Note: For a crispy finish, broil the casserole for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Broccoli and Ham Casserole

If you’re looking to incorporate more greens into your meals, the Broccoli and Ham Casserole is an excellent choice. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups of cooked broccoli florets
• 2 cups of diced ham
• 1 can of cream of broccoli soup
• ¹⁄₂ cup of mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₂ cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup of seasoned bread crumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup of butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix cream of broccoli soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a bowl.
3. Stir in the ham and broccoli to the mixture.
4. Spread the mixture in a greased casserole dish.
5. Top with Swiss cheese.
6. Mix bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden.

This casserole adds a healthy twist with the inclusion of broccoli, providing vitamins and minerals alongside the protein-rich ham.

🥦 Note: For extra flavor, you can sauté the broccoli with garlic before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Spiral Pasta and Ham Bake

To spice things up, try this Spiral Pasta and Ham Bake, which introduces pasta into the casserole family:

• 2 cups cooked spiral pasta
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the ham, cooked pasta, and half the cheese.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
6. Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This version brings a different texture with the pasta, making it a kid-friendly option for dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

🔥 Note: If you like it extra cheesy, add an additional 1/2 cup of your favorite shredded cheese before baking.

Summing up, ham casseroles are an absolute treasure trove for family meals. They not only help in utilizing leftovers but also allow for a delightful blend of flavors and textures. From the creamy potato layers in the classic version to the nutritional boost from broccoli or the fun twist with spiral pasta, these recipes cater to various tastes and dietary needs. They offer a heartwarming meal that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table, making your cooking experience both productive and enjoyable. Enjoy experimenting with these ham casserole recipes, and let your family dinners be an event to look forward to with these easy, family-friendly meals.

Can I substitute ham in these casseroles?

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Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if using raw ingredients.

How can I make my casserole healthier?

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Consider using low-fat milk, low-sodium soup, reducing the amount of cheese, or adding more vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to boost the health factor.

Can I prepare ham casseroles ahead of time?

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Yes, you can assemble the casseroles and refrigerate them overnight. Add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

What sides go well with ham casseroles?

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A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement the richness of ham casseroles wonderfully.

Can I freeze these casseroles?

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Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked casseroles. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or baking.