Ham and Noodle Casserole

cream of mushroom soup

🥗Healthier: homemade mushroom sauce

💰Cheaper: cream of chicken soup

Homemade sauce can be lower in sodium and preservatives.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories while still melting well.

egg noodles

🥗Healthier: whole wheat noodles

💰Cheaper: elbow macaroni

Whole wheat adds fiber; macaroni is often cheaper.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often less expensive.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Boil water in a 2-quart saucepan and add salt.

Cook 2 cups of egg noodles in the boiling water until soft and opaque, then drain.

In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat to make a roux.

Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and stir for a few seconds.

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes slightly filmy on top.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the sauce for flavor and remove from heat when done.

In a 2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, followed by 2 cups of ham, and then half of the cheese sauce.

Repeat the layering with the remaining noodles, ham, and cheese sauce.

Top with additional grated American cheese, reserving some for later if desired.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown around the cheese.

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens