Key Takeaways
- Make this rich, creamy Ham and Noodle Casserole without Soup using simple pantry ingredients instead of canned soup
- Ready in just 45 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner that serves 4
- Create a homemade sauce that’s more flavorful and healthier than any canned soup
- Perfect for using leftover ham after holidays or any time of year
Why Make Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup?
Ever stared at that leftover ham wondering what to make? This Ham and Noodle Casserole without Soup is your answer.
Most recipes call for canned soup. But not this one.
Here, we make a quick homemade sauce that’s tastier and healthier. It takes just minutes to prepare but makes all the difference in flavor.
This Ham and Noodle Casserole without Soup combines tender egg noodles, savory ham chunks, and a creamy from-scratch sauce into one comforting dish. The whole family will ask for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast!
Nutrition Comparison
| Nutrient | Traditional (with soup) | This Recipe (without soup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 410 per serving | 375 per serving |
| Sodium | 1100mg | 650mg |
| Fat | 22g | 17g |
| Protein | 24g | 25g |
| Carbs | 32g | 30g |
What You’ll Need for Your Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Egg noodles | 8 oz (about 4 cups) |
| Cooked ham | 2 cups, diced |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups, divided |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Onion | ½ cup, finely diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Parsley | 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) |
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13 baking dish | For baking the casserole |
| Large pot | For boiling noodles |
| Large skillet or saucepan | For making the sauce |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For accurate measurements |
| Whisk | For smooth sauce |
| Cutting board and knife | For prepping ingredients |
| Colander | For draining noodles |
| Mixing spoon | For combining ingredients |
Possible Substitutions
- Noodles: Use any pasta shape you have (rotini, bowties, or penne work great)
- Cheese: Swap cheddar for Swiss, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack
- Meat: Try leftover chicken or turkey instead of ham
- Milk: Use any milk you prefer (whole milk creates the creamiest sauce)
- Vegetables: Replace peas with broccoli, green beans, or corn
Extra-Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Preparation Phase
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Give your oven plenty of time to reach the correct temperature before baking.
- Use an oven thermometer if you have one to verify the temperature.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Make sure to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
- This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Gather all ingredients and measure them out before starting.
- Place each measured ingredient in small bowls or cups.
- This technique (called “mise en place”) helps the cooking process flow smoothly.
- Cut ham into small, uniform, bite-sized pieces (about ½-inch cubes).
- Dice the onion into small pieces (about ¼-inch).
- Mince the garlic cloves finely with a sharp knife.
- Measure out all spices and place them together.
Cooking the Noodles
- Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove over high heat.
- You’ll need about 3-4 quarts of water for 8 oz of noodles.
- The pot should be large enough that it’s only filled about halfway with water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- You’ll see large bubbles continuously breaking the surface.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water.
- The water should taste salty like the sea – this flavors the noodles.
- Add the egg noodles to the boiling water.
- Gently pour them in to avoid splashing hot water.
- Stir immediately after adding to prevent them from clumping together.
- Cook the noodles for 2 minutes less than package directions.
- Set a timer to avoid overcooking.
- They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so you want them slightly firmer than al dente.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the pot or each other.
- Test a noodle to check doneness – it should be slightly firm in the center.
- Drain the noodles in a colander.
- Pour carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Give the colander a gentle shake to remove excess water.
- Don’t rinse them – the starch helps the sauce cling better.
- Return them to the empty pot or a large bowl and set aside.
Making the Sauce for Your Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
- Place a large skillet or saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan if possible for better heat distribution.
- The pan should be at least 10-12 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches deep.
- Add the butter to the pan and let it melt completely.
- Watch carefully so it doesn’t brown or burn.
- The butter should cover the bottom of the pan when melted.
- Add diced onions to the melted butter.
- Spread them evenly across the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
- The onions should become soft and translucent, but not browned.
- If they start to brown, reduce the heat slightly.
- Add minced garlic to the onions.
- Spread it around the pan and stir constantly.
- Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Watch very carefully as garlic burns quickly and will taste bitter if it does.
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the butter and onion mixture.
- Use a measuring spoon for accuracy.
- Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
- The mixture will look like a thick paste (this is called a “roux”).
- It should smell slightly nutty but not burnt.
- The color should be a light golden shade.
- This roux will thicken your sauce to create a creamy texture without canned soup.
- Begin adding liquid to create your sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium-low to prevent lumps.
- Have your whisk ready in one hand and your liquids in measuring cups nearby.
- Start with ¼ cup of milk, pour it in slowly while whisking constantly.
- The mixture will seize up at first – this is normal.
- Keep whisking until smooth before adding more liquid.
- Gradually add the remaining milk in ¼ cup increments, whisking continuously between additions.
- Once all milk is incorporated, begin adding the chicken broth in the same manner.
- This gradual process prevents lumps from forming in your sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Increase heat slightly if needed, but don’t let it boil vigorously.
- You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened, whisking frequently.
- The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
- Run your finger through the sauce on the spoon – it should leave a clear path that doesn’t fill in immediately.
- Turn heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Add cheese in small handfuls, not all at once.
- Whisk after each addition until completely melted and smooth.
- Reserve the remaining ½ cup of cheese for topping the casserole.
- Season the sauce with remaining ingredients:
- Add Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
- If too thick, add a little more broth; if too thin, simmer a bit longer.
Assembly of Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
- Keep the sauce in the pan and add the ham and frozen peas.
- There’s no need to thaw the peas first – they’ll warm quickly in the hot sauce.
- Stir gently with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly distributed.
- Heat for about 1 minute to warm the ham and peas slightly.
- Add the cooked noodles to the sauce mixture.
- You can either add noodles to the sauce pan (if large enough) or combine in a separate large bowl.
- Fold gently using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
- Be careful not to break the noodles.
- Continue folding until all noodles are evenly coated with sauce and ingredients are well distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- Pour and spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Make sure the corners are filled.
- Prepare the topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese evenly over the top.
- Distribute the breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
- For extra flavor, you can mix breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter before adding.
Baking Your Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Position it in the center rack for even heating.
- Be careful when handling the hot dish.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
- The casserole should be bubbling around the edges.
- The top should be golden brown.
- If the top starts browning too quickly (check at 15 minutes), cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Test for doneness:
- Insert a knife into the center – it should come out hot.
- The edges should be bubbling.
- The top should be golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- This helps the sauce set up and makes serving easier.
- The casserole will be extremely hot right out of the oven.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley evenly over the top.
- This adds color and fresh flavor.
- Serve your Ham and Noodle Casserole without Soup.
- Use a large serving spoon to portion.
- Scoop all the way to the bottom to get all layers.
- Serve while still hot for best flavor and texture.
Troubleshooting Your Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sauce is lumpy | Make sure to add liquids gradually while whisking constantly. If you still have lumps, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve before adding other ingredients. |
| Casserole is too dry | Add ¼ cup more milk or broth to the sauce before combining with noodles. If already baked, drizzle a little warm milk around the edges when reheating. |
| Noodles are mushy | Make sure to undercook them by 2 minutes before adding to the casserole. Next time, set a timer when boiling noodles. |
| Top isn’t browning | Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Keep the oven door slightly ajar and don’t walk away. |
| Casserole is bland | Add more seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also wake up flavors. |
| Sauce is too thin | If you notice before baking, continue simmering the sauce for a few more minutes. If after baking, let the casserole rest longer before serving. |
Variations & Substitutions for Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
Vegetable Additions
Mix in any of these vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor:
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms (cook with the onions)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets (cut into small pieces)
- ½ cup diced red bell peppers (add with the onions)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (stir in just before adding noodles)
Flavor Boosters
Try these add-ins to change up the flavor profile:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrate first if dry)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or dill instead of thyme
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (add when melting cheddar) for extra creaminess
For a complete twist, check out our other ham creations for inspiration!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
Refrigerator Storage
- Cool the casserole completely before refrigerating (within 2 hours of cooking).
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Alternatively, transfer portions to airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
- This Ham and Noodle Casserole without Soup freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
- Option 1: Freeze the entire casserole by covering tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- Option 2: Portion into individual servings in freezer-safe containers for quick meals.
- Label with the date and contents.
Reheating From Refrigerator
- Individual portions: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Whole casserole: Cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout (165°F internal temperature).
- Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Reheating From Frozen
- Best method: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat as above.
- Quick method: Use microwave defrost setting, then heat until warmed through.
- Whole frozen casserole: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more until hot and bubbly.
- Always check that the center reaches 165°F.
Safety Notes & Tips for Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup
Food Safety
- Ensure ham reaches 165°F when reheating the casserole.
- Don’t leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Always use clean utensils when serving.
- If the casserole has been left out too long, discard it rather than risking foodborne illness.
Beginner Tips
- Prep ahead: Chop all ingredients before starting to cook to make the process smoother.
- Watch the roux: Keep the heat medium-low to prevent burning. A burnt roux will give a bitter taste to your entire dish.
- Don’t overboil noodles: They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooked is better than overcooked.
- Test your sauce thickness: If you can draw a line on the back of a spoon with your finger and the line stays, your sauce is the right consistency.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest before serving – it will be easier to portion and won’t burn mouths.
Looking for more ham recipes? Try our Ham and Gnocchi for another easy dinner idea!
Make Your Ham and Noodle Casserole Without Soup Your Own
This recipe is flexible and forgiving. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
If you love the combination of ham with other comfort foods, you might enjoy our Instant Pot Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes recipe too.
Remember: the key to this Ham and Noodle Casserole without Soup is the homemade sauce. Once you master it, you’ll never go back to canned soup again!
Enjoy your homemade, creamy casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
