Creamy Low-Fat Ham, Pea & Noodle Bake
Delight in this Creamy Low-Fat Ham, Pea & Noodle Bake, a wholesome and comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish features tender broad egg noodles combined with reduced-sodium ham, sweet peas, and a flavorful, creamy sauce made with skim milk, tender spices, and a touch of mustard. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this casserole offers a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and delicious. Share it with family and friends, and enjoy a taste of comfort food without the guilt!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
broad egg noodles
6 (ounces)
flour
4.5 (teaspoons)
dry mustard
1 (teaspoon)
dried sage, crumbled
0.25 (teaspoon)
ground nutmeg
0.125 (teaspoon)
black pepper
to taste
skim milk
1.5 (cups)
reduced-sodium ham, cubed
6 (ounces)
frozen peas, thawed and drained
10 (ounces)
soft white breadcrumbs
1.5 (tablespoons (1 slice without crust))
soft-tub margarine
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, cook the broad egg noodles according to the package instructions; be sure to omit any added salt for a healthier option. Drain and set aside.
3
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, dry mustard, dried sage, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of black pepper. Gradually whisk in the skim milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained noodles, cubed reduced-sodium ham, and thawed peas. Pour the creamy milk mixture over the pasta and carefully stir until everything is evenly coated.
5
Transfer the noodle mixture into an ungreased shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the top with the soft white breadcrumbs, and then dot with the soft-tub margarine.
6
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
7
After 10 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy and hearty dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Low-Fat Ham, Pea & Noodle Bake?
It is a wholesome and comforting casserole featuring broad egg noodles, reduced-sodium ham, sweet peas, and a creamy sauce made with skim milk and spices.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of noodles are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of broad egg noodles.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a low-fat and heart-healthy option that uses skim milk, reduced-sodium ham, and suggests omitting salt when boiling the noodles.
How do I prepare the creamy sauce?
Combine flour, dry mustard, dried sage, ground nutmeg, and black pepper, then gradually whisk in the skim milk until smooth.
What size casserole dish is required?
A shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole dish should be used.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The total baking time is 20 minutes: 10 minutes covered with foil and another 10 minutes uncovered.
What ingredients are needed for the topping?
The topping consists of 1.5 tablespoons of soft white breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon of soft-tub margarine.
How much ham is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of reduced-sodium ham, cubed.
Do the peas need to be cooked beforehand?
The frozen peas should be thawed and drained before being mixed into the casserole.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with dry mustard, dried sage, ground nutmeg, and black pepper.
Can I add salt to the pasta water?
The recipe recommends omitting added salt for a healthier option.
How many ingredients are in this dish?
There are 11 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the role of the margarine in this recipe?
The soft-tub margarine is dotted on top of the breadcrumbs to help create a golden, lightly browned crust.
Is the casserole dish greased?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Use 1.5 tablespoons of soft white breadcrumbs, which is roughly equivalent to 1 slice of bread without the crust.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
It should be covered with aluminum foil for the first 10 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is done when the mixture is bubbly and the breadcrumb top is lightly browned.
Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?
While skim milk is used to keep the recipe low-fat, you could use whole milk, though it will increase the fat content.
What is the preparation for the ham?
The ham should be reduced-sodium and cut into small cubes.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy weeknight dinner and has a relatively short baking time.
How much skim milk is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of skim milk.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include casserole, low-fat, ham, pea, noodle, comfort food, and healthy.
How much flour is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 4.5 teaspoons of flour.
What is the amount of dry mustard needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dry mustard.
How much dried sage is included?
The recipe uses 0.25 teaspoon of crumbled dried sage.
What is the recommended amount of ground nutmeg?
The recipe calls for 0.125 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, the instructions suggest letting it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
How are the noodles cooked?
The noodles should be cooked according to the package instructions, omitting salt, and then drained.
Is this a good recipe for sharing?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying meal to share with family and friends.