Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Ham and Noodle Casserole is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with savory ham and nutty Swiss cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a classic one-dish meal ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Ham and Noodle Casserole Ingredients
A classic combination for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner.
- 4 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup dry bread crumbs
How To Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Noodle Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and flavorful one-dish meal.
- Prep Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for just 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the noodles stand for 10 minutes to finish cooking and become tender. Drain them well.
- Combine the Casserole: In a large bowl, stir together the cooked and drained noodles, the diced ham, Swiss cheese, condensed soup, chopped onion, and sour cream. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Top: Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the dry bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake and Serve: Bake for about 40 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the bread crumbs on top are golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly creamy casserole.
- How to prevent mushy noodles? The unique cooking method for the noodles—a short boil followed by a covered soak—is the key. It cooks them to a perfect al dente texture that will hold up beautifully when baked in the creamy sauce, preventing them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole (but wait to add the breadcrumb topping), cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the foil, add the breadcrumbs, and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- How to get an extra crispy topping? For a crunchier, richer topping, you can toss the breadcrumbs with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole.
- Can I add vegetables to this? Absolutely! As the recipe note suggests, this is a very versatile dish. A cup of frozen peas (no need to thaw), some wilted spinach (squeezed very dry), or sautéed mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
What To Serve With Ham and Noodle Casserole
Simple sides to complete this hearty one-dish dinner.
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- A side of applesauce or a simple fruit salad
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
How To Store Ham and Noodle Casserole
Keeping your delicious leftovers creamy.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker, softer result.
Pioneer Woman Ham and Noodle Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 30 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes. While wide egg noodles are classic for this type of casserole, any medium pasta shape like rotini, penne, or shells would work as a good substitute.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Of course. While Swiss cheese provides a classic nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with ham, a sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a Monterey Jack would all be delicious alternatives.
Can I freeze this casserole?
It’s generally not recommended to freeze this casserole after it’s been baked, as the creamy sauce can sometimes separate and the texture of the noodles can become mushy upon thawing.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman French Onion Beef Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Ham and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Description
A classic, creamy, and cheesy one-dish meal featuring tender egg noodles, savory diced ham, and Swiss cheese in a rich sauce, all baked under a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling water for just 3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain.
- In a large bowl, stir together the drained noodles, diced ham, Swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup, onion, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe unique method of cooking the noodles (3-minute boil + 10-minute soak) is the key to preventing them from getting mushy in the casserole.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is the perfect recipe for using up leftover holiday ham.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor an extra crunchy topping, toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling on top.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis casserole is a great make-ahead dish; just assemble (without the topping) and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.u003c/liu003e
