When the wind starts to howl and you just want to curl up under a fuzzy blanket, there is one thing that always makes me feel better. I am talking about a warm, steaming bowl of ham and noodles. Honestly, this is the kind of meal that feels like a big hug from your grandma. It is simple, it is cheesy, and it is exactly what we need on a busy weeknight.
I have been there before, staring at a fridge full of leftovers and wondering what to do. Maybe you have some extra ham from a holiday dinner, or perhaps you just picked up a thick slice from the deli. Either way, you are in the right place. I want to show you how to turn those basic ingredients into a creamy ham and noodle casserole that your whole family will love.
What You Need To Get Started
Before we dive in, let us look at our shopping list. You probably have most of these items in your pantry right now.
The Main Ingredients
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Egg Noodles: I usually go for the wide ones because they hold onto the sauce so well.
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Diced Ham: You can use leftover honey ham or buy those little pre-cut cubes at the store.
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Butter: Everything tastes better with a bit of butter, right?
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Flour: This helps us make a thick, creamy sauce.
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Milk: You could use whole milk for a richer taste, but 2% works well too.
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Cheese: Shredded cheddar is my favorite, but you could try mozzarella or even a bit of parmesan.
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Peas or Broccoli: I like to add a bit of green to make it a complete meal. Plus, it adds a nice pop of color.
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Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch to make the flavors wake up.
Kitchen Tools
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A large pot to boil the water.
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A colander to drain the noodles.
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A whisk or a big spoon for the sauce.
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A baking dish if you want to make it a baked casserole.
Step By Step Guide To Ham and Noodle Perfection
Now, let me show you how to put it all together. Do not worry, I will walk you through every single part.
Step 1: Boil Your Noodles
First, you want to fill a big pot with water and add a little salt. Turn the heat up high. Once the water is bubbly and boiling, drop in your noodles.
One tip is to cook them for one or two minutes less than the package says. This is because they will keep cooking a bit when we mix them with the hot sauce. Nobody likes mushy noodles. Once they are ready, pour them into your colander in the sink and let the water drain away.
Step 2: Make The Magic Sauce
While your noodles are draining, use that same pot to make the sauce. This saves you from doing extra dishes later.
Put your butter in the pot over medium heat. Once it is melted, whisk in your flour. It will look like a thick paste. This is what we call a roux. Now, slowly pour in your milk. Keep whisking so you do not get any lumps.
Step 3: Add The Good Stuff
As the milk gets warm, it will start to thicken up. Now you can toss in your diced ham and your frozen peas or chopped broccoli. The heat from the sauce will cook the veggies and warm up the ham.
Next, add your cheese. Watch it melt into the sauce. It looks so good, doesn’t it? I love this part. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a tiny splash more milk.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now, put those cooked noodles back into the pot with the sauce. Stir everything together gently. You want every single noodle to be covered in that cheesy goodness.
At this point, you could just serve it right out of the pot. Many people find that this is the quickest way to get dinner on the table. But, if you have an extra ten minutes, I suggest taking one more step.
Step 5: The Optional Bake
If you want a little crunch, pour the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle some extra cheese or even some crushed crackers on top. Put it in the oven at 350 degrees for about fifteen minutes. This makes the top golden and bubbly.
Tips For The Best Results
I want your dinner to be absolutely perfect. Here is the deal on how to make sure that happens.
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Don’t overcook the pasta. I mentioned this before, but it is really important. If the noodles are too soft, the whole dish feels heavy.
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Season as you go. Taste a little bit of the sauce before you add the noodles. Does it need more salt? Maybe a little bit of garlic powder? Trust your taste buds.
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Change the cheese. If you do not like cheddar, try using Swiss cheese. It pairs really well with ham.
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Add some crunch. If you are not baking it, you could still sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top right before you eat.
Healthier Swaps You Could Try
If you are wondering why we use so much butter and cheese, well, that is what makes it comfort food. But I get it, sometimes we want to keep things a bit lighter.
You might want to try using whole wheat noodles instead of white ones. They have more fiber and keep you full longer. You could also use a low fat milk or even a bit of chicken broth to replace some of the milk. Also, do not be afraid to load up on the veggies. Adding more peas, carrots, or spinach is a great way to make this meal more nutritious.
How To Store Your Leftovers
Guess what? This meal actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors have time to sit and get to know each other.
Simply put your leftovers in a container with a lid and keep it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. When you want to eat it again, just put a portion in a bowl and add a tiny splash of milk or water. This helps the sauce get creamy again when you heat it up in the microwave.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish though. Pasta can get a bit weird and grainy once it has been frozen and thawed in a cream sauce. It is best eaten fresh or within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat besides ham? Yep, you sure can. If you do not have ham, you could try cooked chicken or even canned tuna. The sauce works well with almost any protein.
What kind of noodles are best? Personally, I think wide egg noodles are the winner. But you could use penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Whatever you have in your pantry is fine.
How do I make the sauce thicker? If your sauce is too runny, let it simmer for a few more minutes. You could also add a little more cheese. Cheese is a great thickener.
Is this recipe okay for toddlers? Absolutely. It is soft, easy to chew, and the flavors are very mild. It is a total kid favorite at my house.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? You could, but the noodles might get a bit too soft. I think the stovetop method is actually faster and gives you a better texture.
Final Thoughts On This Comfort Classic
To sum it up, ham and noodles is the ultimate easy dinner. It is fast, it is cheap, and it tastes like home. Whether it is a rainy Tuesday or a cold Sunday afternoon, this meal is there for you.
I hope you give this a try tonight. You’re about to find out just how simple it is to make your family happy with just a few ingredients. No worries if you are not a great cook yet, this recipe is very forgiving. Just take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy your meal.
There you have it. That is pretty much everything you need to know to make a delicious bowl of comfort.
What do you think? Are you ready to head to the kitchen and start boiling some water? I think you are going to do a great job.