Ham ’n’ Noodle Hot Dish

Comforting and flavorful, Ham ‘n’ Noodle Hot Dish is a delightful meal-in-one that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. This easy and cheesy recipe, shared by Renee Schwebach from Dumont, Minnesota, is a perfect solution for utilizing leftover baked ham from holiday feasts or dinner parties. With the addition of vibrant frozen green peas, this dish not only brings lovely color but also a burst of freshness to the table. No one will ever feel like they’re eating leftovers when they savor this delectable bake, as it transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering culinary experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded process cheese (Velveeta)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups diced fully cooked ham
• 1½ cups elbow macaroni or medium noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• ¼ cup dry bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the all-purpose flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes before removing it from the heat. Stir in the shredded process cheese (Velveeta) and salt until the cheese is melted.
2. Add the diced fully cooked ham, cooked and drained elbow macaroni or medium noodles, and thawed frozen peas to the cheese sauce. Mix everything thoroughly and pour the mixture into a greased 1-quart baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, melt the remaining butter and add the dry bread crumbs and dried parsley flakes. Mix them together and then sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.

YIELD: 4 servings

BAKE TIME: 30 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Grease the baking dish before pouring in the mixture to prevent sticking.
• Thaw the frozen peas before adding them to the dish for even cooking.

TIPS:

• To add a touch of freshness and vibrant color, consider garnishing the baked dish with some fresh parsley before serving.

Ham ‘n’ Noodle Hot Dish is the epitome of comfort food, beautifully blending the rich flavors of ham, cheese, and macaroni with the vibrant addition of green peas. Renee Schwebach’s easy and cheesy recipe offers a brilliant solution for making the most of leftover baked ham, turning it into a hearty and satisfying meal-in-one. With just a few simple steps, this delicious bake brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any dinner table.

The creamy cheese sauce, created by melting process cheese (Velveeta) in a buttery roux with milk, forms the luscious base that envelops the diced ham, cooked noodles, and peas. The combination of tender ham and perfectly cooked noodles is a delightful textural contrast that complements the creamy sauce flawlessly. The addition of thawed frozen peas not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also introduces a burst of sweetness and freshness.

The magic happens as the casserole bakes in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together and the breadcrumb topping to turn golden and crunchy. Each spoonful of Ham ‘n’ Noodle Hot Dish delivers a comforting and satisfying experience that will make you forget you’re enjoying leftovers.

Versatile and practical, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It also serves as an excellent way to please a hungry crowd during gatherings or potluck dinners.

In conclusion, Renee Schwebach’s Ham ‘n’ Noodle Hot Dish captures the essence of simple yet delightful home cooking. This hearty bake with its creamy cheese sauce, succulent ham, tender noodles, and sweet peas is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for anyone seeking comfort and satisfaction in a single dish.