Hearty Ham Casserole: A Comforting Classic for Any Meal

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, bubbly casserole. And when that casserole features savory ham, creamy sauce, and tender vegetables, it becomes a truly irresistible dish. This hearty ham casserole recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for using up leftover ham. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why This Ham Casserole Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **It’s Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Green beans, peas, carrots, corn, and broccoli all work well.
* **It’s a Great Way to Use Leftover Ham:** After a holiday feast, this casserole is the perfect way to repurpose leftover ham. It prevents food waste and transforms it into a completely new and delicious meal.
* **It’s Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **It’s Comfort Food at Its Best:** The combination of creamy sauce, savory ham, and tender vegetables is pure comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
* **Freezable**: Ham casserole is perfect for meal prepping. It freezes and reheats beautifully.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Cooked Ham:** The star of the show! Use leftover ham, a ham steak, or diced ham from the deli. About 2-3 cups, diced.
* **Vegetables:** A mix of your favorites. This recipe calls for frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans), but you can customize it. About 2 cups.
* **Butter:** For sautéing the onions and creating a flavorful base for the sauce. 4 tablespoons.
* **Onion:** Adds savory flavor to the sauce. 1 medium, chopped.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** To thicken the sauce. 1/4 cup.
* **Milk:** The base of the creamy sauce. 2 cups.
* **Chicken Broth:** Adds depth of flavor to the sauce. 1 cup. Can also substitute with vegetable broth.
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** Adds cheesy goodness. You will need 2 cups, shredded, divided.
* **Dijon Mustard:** A touch of tanginess to balance the richness of the sauce. 1 teaspoon.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds umami and depth of flavor. 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Usually about 1/2 teaspoon of each, but adjust according to your preference.
* **Topping (Optional):** This recipe includes options for different toppings like crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or potato chips. This adds great texture.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your hearty ham casserole:

**Step 1: Preheat and Prep**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
* If using a topping, prepare it now (see topping options below).

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion**

* In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

**Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce**

* Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Combine Ingredients**

* In the prepared baking dish, combine the diced ham, frozen mixed vegetables, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Step 5: Add Topping (Optional)**

* Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
* If using a topping (crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or potato chips), sprinkle it over the cheese.

**Step 6: Bake**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping (if using) is golden brown.

**Step 7: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Topping Options

Adding a topping to your ham casserole can enhance both its flavor and texture. Here are a few popular options:

* **Crushed Crackers:** Ritz crackers or saltines work well. Crush them into coarse crumbs and sprinkle them over the casserole before baking. Drizzle with melted butter for extra flavor.
* **Bread Crumbs:** Use panko bread crumbs for a crispy topping. Toss them with melted butter and your favorite herbs (such as parsley or thyme) before sprinkling them over the casserole.
* **Potato Chips:** Crush potato chips (plain or flavored) and sprinkle them over the casserole. This adds a salty and crunchy element.
* **French Fried Onions:** The canned French fried onions provide a great flavor that complements the other casserole components.

## Tips and Variations

* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to use any vegetables you like in this casserole. Fresh vegetables may need to be cooked slightly before adding them to the casserole.
* **Add Pasta or Rice:** For a heartier casserole, add cooked pasta or rice to the mixture. About 2 cups of cooked pasta or rice will work well.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce and topping. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese are all delicious options.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for added flavor and texture. About 1 cup of sliced mushrooms will do.
* **Use Cream of Mushroom Soup:** For an even easier sauce, substitute the milk, chicken broth, flour, and butter with a can of cream of mushroom soup. This will result in a richer, more mushroomy flavor.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to make the sauce if you have dietary restrictions. Also, be sure to use gluten-free crackers or bread crumbs for the topping.

## Serving Suggestions

This hearty ham casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy side.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an extra comforting meal, serve with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** If you’re serving this casserole around the holidays, cranberry sauce makes a festive and delicious accompaniment.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This ham casserole can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

* **Assemble Ahead:** Prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake Later:** When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover ham casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the casserole dry.

**Freezing:**

* **Freeze Before Baking:** Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then with foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.
* **Freeze After Baking:** Let the casserole cool completely. Cut into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Hearty Ham Casserole**

A comforting classic featuring savory ham, creamy sauce, and tender vegetables. Perfect for using up leftover ham!

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 cups cooked ham, diced
* 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Topping (optional): Crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or potato chips

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In the prepared baking dish, combine ham, vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
7. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the casserole. Add topping, if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and topping is golden brown.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Customize the vegetables to your liking.
* Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier casserole.
* Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.
* Freeze: Assemble or bake, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw before baking or reheating.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious Hearty Ham Casserole! It’s a fantastic way to use leftover ham and create a satisfying meal for any occasion. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.