Pennsylvania Dutch Ham & Noodle Comfort Casserole
This delightful Pennsylvania Dutch Ham & Noodle Casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. Inspired by my mother's original recipe, which I recently rediscovered, I've made some personal tweaks to enhance its flavor. The combination of tender egg noodles, savory cubed ham, sweet red onions, and a rich cream of mushroom sauce, all elevated with the irresistible creaminess of extra-sharp cheddar cheese, creates the perfect comfort food. This casserole is simple to prepare, making it an ideal go-to meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it up alongside a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
283
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra wide egg noodles
8 (ounces)
Vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
Cooked ham
1 (lb, cubed (about 2 cups))
Red onion
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Dried thyme
1/2 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/8 (teaspoon)
White pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce can)
Milk
1/4 (cup)
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 (cups, shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
2
In a large 4-quart saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Add the cubed cooked ham to the pan, continuing to cook for approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onion is tender and the ham is warmed through.
4
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to cook while stirring gently for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated.
5
Add the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until the cheese has melted and created a smooth, creamy sauce.
6
Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles, ensuring they are well coated in the mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until everything is heated through.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
25.7g
Carbs
16.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pennsylvania Dutch Ham & Noodle Comfort Casserole?
It is a heartwarming stovetop casserole featuring tender egg noodles, savory cubed ham, and a rich cream of mushroom and extra-sharp cheddar cheese sauce.
What kind of noodles should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of extra wide egg noodles.
How much ham is required?
You will need 1 lb of cooked ham, cubed into approximately 2 cups.
What type of onion is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped red onion for its sweet and savory flavor profile.
What kind of cheese provides the best flavor?
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its intense creaminess and bold taste.
Is this a stovetop or oven-baked recipe?
This is a stovetop recipe prepared in a large 4-quart saucepan.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 283 calories.
What is the fat content of this casserole?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein does it provide?
This dish provides 16.3 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 25.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long do I sauté the red onion?
Sauté the chopped red onion for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
How long should the ham be cooked with the onions?
The cubed ham should be cooked with the onion for approximately 15 minutes.
What kind of soup is used as the base?
The recipe uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
How much milk should be added to the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of milk.
What seasonings are used in this casserole?
It is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
How do I prevent the egg noodles from sticking together?
After draining the noodles, toss them with a small amount of butter.
What size saucepan is needed?
A large 4-quart saucepan is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a simple, heartwarming dish ideal for busy weeknights.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It is ideally served alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Can I use leftover ham?
Yes, this is an excellent recipe for using up leftover cooked ham from family gatherings.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The dish is inspired by a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipe from the creator's mother.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
According to the nutrition facts provided, the fiber content is null.
How much vegetable oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How long does the final heating process take?
Once the noodles are added, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
How much cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
Can I garnish this casserole?
Yes, you can garnish it with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
What temperature should I use for sautéing?
Use medium-high heat for sautéing the onion and ham, then reduce to medium-low for the sauce.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information lists the sugar content as null.
Is this a good meal for kids?
Yes, it is a family-friendly comfort food that is likely to be enjoyed by children.