Cheesy ham pea casserole

This cozy cheesy ham pea casserole transforms leftover ham into a creamy, comforting dinner the whole family will love.

Quick Answer: Make this cheesy ham pea casserole by combining diced ham, peas, and pasta in a rich cheese sauce, then top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: None

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, cheesy comfort food with tender ham and sweet peas
One-pan meal with minimal cleanup required
Perfect for using up leftover holiday ham
Budget-friendly and filling family meal
Freezes beautifully for future meals

Quick Benefits

This cheesy ham pea casserole combines protein-rich ham, nutritious green peas, and satisfying pasta in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s ready in under an hour and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cubed ham
2 cups frozen green peas
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dash of hot sauce to taste (optional)
Salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Reserve one cup of shredded cheese for the top of the casserole.
Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

You Must Know

Undercook pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven
Let cheese sauce thicken properly before adding other ingredients
Use freshly grated cheese for best melting
Don’t skip the resting time or sauce will be too loose
Check seasoning before baking as ham adds saltiness

Serving Suggestions

Green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Crusty garlic bread
White wine or sparkling water with lemon

Creative Variations

Swap ham for turkey or chicken
Use mixed vegetables instead of just peas
Try different cheese combinations like Gruyere and Parmesan
Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor
Include diced onions and carrots for more vegetables

Cultural Notes

Casseroles became popular in American cuisine during the mid-20th century as convenient, one-dish meals. This recipe represents classic comfort food cooking, often made to use up holiday ham leftovers while creating a new, satisfying family meal.

Pro Tips

Warm milk before adding to roux for smoother sauce
Toast breadcrumbs before topping for extra crunch
Use room temperature cheese for better melting
Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance cheese sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this cheesy ham pea casserole?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: What type of ham works best?
A: Leftover baked ham or ham steak both work well.

Q: Can I use fresh peas?
A: Yes, but blanch them first for 2-3 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being grainy?
A: Use room temperature ingredients and freshly grated cheese.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free pasta and flour substitute.

Health Benefits

This casserole provides protein from ham, fiber from peas, and calcium from cheese. Using whole grain pasta adds extra nutrition, while the peas contribute vitamins A and C. Portion control helps make this comfort food part of a balanced diet.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 52g • Protein: 35g • Fat: 32g • Sodium: 980mg

Notes

Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk when reheating if needed.