Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Transform your leftover ham into a comforting, cheesy delight with this Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy casserole combines tender macaroni with vibrant broccoli, savory ham, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with a luscious layer of melted light cheddar cheese. Not only is it a great way to use up leftovers, but it's also a crowd-pleaser even for the pickiest eaters. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal that the whole family will adore!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked macaroni
1 1/2 cups (cooked according to package instructions)
broccoli
2 cups (steamed until tender-crisp)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
low-fat cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) can
cooked ham
2 cups (chopped)
light cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
pepper
to taste
water
1/8-1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Set aside 1/2 cup of shredded light cheddar cheese for topping.
3
Steam the broccoli until it is tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4
In a lightly sprayed 9x13 inch casserole dish, combine the cooked macaroni, steamed broccoli, chopped onion, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, chopped cooked ham, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and pepper to taste.
5
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
6
Evenly spread the mixture in the casserole dish and top it with the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that transforms leftover ham into a delicious meal with macaroni, broccoli, and a creamy mushroom sauce.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
Steam 2 cups of broccoli for 3 to 5 minutes until it is tender-crisp.
Should the macaroni be cooked beforehand?
Yes, use 1.5 cups of macaroni that has been cooked according to the package instructions.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much ham is needed?
You will need 2 cups of chopped, cooked ham.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
What type of cheese is best for this pasta bake?
Shredded light cheddar cheese is used to keep the dish flavorful yet lighter.
How much cheese should I set aside for the topping?
Reserve 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese to sprinkle over the top before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake it in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
How do I know when the pasta bake is done?
The casserole is finished when it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted.
Should I prepare the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the 9x13 inch dish with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
Can I add onion to this recipe?
Yes, include 1/2 cup of chopped onion in the mixture.
Is there any water in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/8 to 1/4 cup of water to help reach the right consistency.
How should I season the dish?
Add pepper to taste when mixing the ingredients together.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A crisp green salad pairs perfectly with this cheesy pasta bake.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is an easy one-dish meal that is perfect for a quick family dinner.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine the macaroni, broccoli, onion, soup, ham, 1 cup of cheese, and pepper in the dish and mix thoroughly.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set.
Can I use regular cheddar instead of light?
Yes, regular shredded cheddar can be substituted for light cheddar if preferred.
Is this a good way to use leftovers?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to use up leftover cooked ham.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients including the seasoning and water.
Can I substitute the macaroni with other pasta?
Yes, other small pasta shapes like penne or fusilli would work well.
What is the texture of the broccoli in this dish?
The broccoli should be tender-crisp to provide a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on broccoli, you could easily add peas or carrots if desired.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy sauce and familiar ingredients make it a hit with pickier eaters.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The combination of low-fat cream of mushroom soup and melted cheese creates a luscious sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but ensure it is thawed and drained properly before steaming or adding to the mix.
How much total cheese is required?
The recipe uses a total of 1 1/2 cups of shredded light cheddar cheese.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, since it combines protein, vegetables, and grains in one baking dish, it is a complete meal.