Have leftover ham? This Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a fantastic and flavorful way to transform those leftovers into a brand new, comforting meal!
Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake: Your Go-To Leftover Ham Recipe
The culinary journey often presents us with delightful dilemmas, and few are as persistent as the mountain of leftover ham after a holiday feast or a celebratory dinner. You’ve enjoyed it sliced, maybe in a sandwich, but the ham still lingers, seemingly multiplying in the refrigerator. Fear not, for this Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the flavorful solution you’ve been searching for – a hearty, creamy, and incredibly satisfying dish that breathes new life into every last morsel of that delicious ham.
The Epic Saga of Leftover Ham: A Relatable Tale
Picture this: a diligent home cook, brimming with pride, serves a magnificent Honey Glazed Ham for a special occasion. It’s a culinary triumph, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The next day, some of that glorious ham finds its way into lunches and dinners, providing simple yet tasty meals. But as days turn, the visual evidence in the refrigerator suggests an unending supply. Despite everyone doing their part, that substantial leftover ham just doesn’t seem to dwindle, especially when you’re catering to a smaller family with a larger-than-life ham!
This common predicament often sparks culinary creativity. What to do with the abundance? Our resourceful cook, in a quest to banish ham fatigue, ventured into new territories. First, some of the ham was ingeniously transformed into a rich and savory Ham Risotto with Peas, a delightful change of pace that was met with enthusiasm. Yet, the ham persisted.
Undaunted, the next evening brought another innovative creation: a comforting Ham and Cheese Crescent Bake, offering a flaky, cheesy twist. This too was a hit, momentarily pushing back the tide of ham. But lo and behold, the refrigerator door still revealed a generous portion awaiting its destiny. At this point, even the most seasoned cooks might feel a touch of ham-induced weariness.
But true culinary spirit triumphs! With a final surge of inspiration, a new idea emerged, promising to be the ultimate solution. And indeed, it was. This final creation, a hearty pasta bake combining ham with vibrant broccoli, proved to be the perfect send-off for the remaining ham, leaving everyone satisfied and no leftovers in sight.
And that, dear reader, is how the Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake came to be – born from necessity, perfected by creativity, and destined to become a staple in your kitchen for handling those delightful, yet challenging, ham leftovers.
Why This Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors designed for ultimate comfort and convenience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:
- Effortless Leftover Transformation: It’s the ideal way to repurpose cooked ham, turning what might feel like a chore into an exciting new meal. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to culinary innovation!
- Pure Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, this pasta bake envelops you in warmth with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces around the dinner table, especially on a chilly evening.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Loved by adults and kids alike, the mild flavors of ham and broccoli, nestled in a cheesy sauce with tender egg noodles, make this a universally appealing dish. Even picky eaters will find something to enjoy.
- Simple and Straightforward: With minimal prep and hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Most of the magic happens in the oven, giving you time to relax or tackle other tasks.
- Nutrient-Packed: Combining protein-rich ham with the goodness of fresh broccoli, this bake offers a balanced meal that’s both delicious and wholesome.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Don’t have egg noodles? Prefer a different cheese? This recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize to your family’s preferences and what you have on hand.
Whether you’re looking for a clever way to use up holiday ham or simply craving a hearty and wholesome dinner, this Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake delivers on all fronts.
Key Ingredients for a Perfectly Balanced Pasta Bake
Each component of this Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake plays a crucial role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture:
- Country Style Egg Noodles: These wide, flat noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, adding a tender chewiness that makes the dish incredibly satisfying. Their robust structure holds up well during baking, ensuring they don’t become mushy.
- Cubed Ham: The star of our show, leftover cooked ham brings a savory, salty depth to the dish. Dicing it into small, manageable cubes ensures that every spoonful gets a piece of that delicious ham. Any type of cooked ham will work, from glazed holiday ham to simple deli ham.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Vibrant green and slightly crisp, broccoli adds a wonderful texture contrast and a boost of nutrients. Cutting the florets into small, bite-sized pieces ensures they cook perfectly within the baking time and integrate seamlessly into the pasta.
- Cottage Cheese: This might sound unconventional for a pasta bake, but cottage cheese is the secret to an incredibly creamy and light sauce without being overly heavy. When baked, it melts into a smooth, rich consistency, providing a subtle tang that complements the ham beautifully.
- Sour Cream & Milk: Together, these form the creamy base of our sauce, lending a luxurious smoothness and a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheese. The milk helps to thin the sauce to the right consistency for baking.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Incorporated into the sauce and sprinkled on top, Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty, umami flavor that enhances the entire dish. It creates that beautiful golden-brown crust we all love on a good pasta bake.
- Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour acts as a thickener, ensuring the sauce sets perfectly during baking, preventing it from becoming watery.
- Ranch Seasoning: This is a flavor powerhouse! Ranch seasoning brings a savory, herbaceous, and slightly zesty note that ties all the ingredients together, adding an unexpected layer of deliciousness to the creamy sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your preference. Remember ham is salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
Crafting Your Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake: A Simple Guide
Here’s how to bring this comforting dish to life in your kitchen:
Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake
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Ingredients
- 8 oz country style egg noodles
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups fresh broccoli cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cubed ham
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- salt and pepper
- additional Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your pasta bake won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them well; nobody likes watery pasta bake!
- While the noodles are cooking, combine the cottage cheese, fresh broccoli pieces, cubed ham, sour cream, milk, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, flour, and ranch seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that ham is already salty. Once the noodles are drained, add them to this mixture and stir gently until everything is thoroughly combined. Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking time allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to tenderize. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle generously with additional Parmesan cheese for that perfect golden crust, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for an Even Better Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Elevate your pasta bake experience with these simple tips and tricks:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles until they are just al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. They will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking them initially prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Small Broccoli Pieces: Ensure your broccoli florets are cut into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook thoroughly and evenly in the casserole, and ensures a good distribution of broccoli in every bite.
- Taste Before Salting: Ham is often quite salty, so mix all ingredients (except the noodles) and taste before adding extra salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Add a Crispy Topping: For an extra layer of texture, consider mixing a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs (Panko works wonderfully) with a drizzle of melted butter and sprinkling it over the top along with the additional Parmesan cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make Ahead Option: This pasta bake is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Delicious Variations to Explore
Get creative with your Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake! Here are a few ideas to customize it to your taste:
- Cheese Swaps: Instead of or in addition to Parmesan, try cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Add More Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, peas, corn, or spinach would all be excellent additions. If using frozen vegetables like peas or corn, add them directly to the mixture without thawing. For heartier vegetables, a quick sauté before adding is recommended.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or medium shells. Just ensure they are cooked al dente according to package directions.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Creamy Mushroom Twist: Incorporate a can of cream of mushroom soup into the sauce for an even richer, more traditional casserole flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
- Yes, you absolutely can! If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Just add it directly to the mixture. The baking time will be sufficient for it to cook through, though fresh often provides a slightly better texture.
- What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
- Any cooked ham will work beautifully. Leftover holiday ham (like spiral-sliced or bone-in ham) is perfect. You can also use pre-cooked diced ham from the grocery store for ultimate convenience.
- Can I prepare this Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake ahead of time?
- Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead meal! Assemble the pasta bake completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time, or let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to reduce cooking time.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions of the cooked pasta bake for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Note that the texture of the pasta and cottage cheese might change slightly after freezing and thawing.
- How long does Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake last in the refrigerator?
- Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
More Comforting Baked Pasta Dishes to Savor
If you love the ease and satisfaction of baked pasta, be sure to explore these other delightful recipes:
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A creamy and cheesy take on a classic, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
- Spinach and Artichoke Tortellini Bake: A vegetarian-friendly option bursting with flavor, using store-bought tortellini for a quick prep.
- Baked Ravioli: Layers of cheesy ravioli baked to perfection, a simple yet impressive dish for any night.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Way to Enjoy Ham
This Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to turning everyday leftovers into something extraordinary. With its creamy sauce, tender noodles, savory ham, and vibrant broccoli, it’s a complete meal that offers comfort, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re conquering a post-holiday ham surplus or simply seeking a delicious, easy-to-make dinner, this pasta bake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. Don’t let that leftover ham stare at you any longer – transform it into this irresistible family favorite today!