Old Fashioned - Creamy 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 325°F.

In a cast iron skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Dice 1.5 cups of celery and add to the melted butter in the skillet.

Stir in 1.5 tablespoons of flour to create a roux with the butter and celery.

Gradually add 1 quart of milk, stirring until it begins to boil.

Dice 1.5 pounds of ham into small pieces and set aside.

Blanch 2.5 cups of peas briefly before adding them to the mixture.

Add 3/4 pound of cheese to the skillet and stir until melted.

Add the cooked noodles, diced ham, and blanched peas to the skillet and mix well.

Transfer the mixture to the skillet if not already in it, and bake in the oven for 1 hour at 325°F.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens