If you’re looking for a warm, hearty meal that brings the whole family to the table, this Cheesy Ham Casserole is the answer! It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham, combining tender pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, crispy topping. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and pure comfort food.

Whether you’re making this after a holiday ham dinner or just craving a cozy meal, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite. Plus, it’s super versatile—add in veggies, swap out the pasta, or even make it ahead for busy nights!

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked ham, diced
3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

Use Leftover Ham – This dish is a great way to repurpose holiday ham, but deli ham works too!
Cook Pasta Al Dente – Since the pasta continues to cook in the oven, boiling it to just firm keeps it from getting mushy.
Mix Up the Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Swiss for extra flavor.
Don’t Skip the Topping – The crunchy topping adds the perfect texture contrast to the creamy casserole.
Add Veggies for a Twist – Stir in peas, broccoli, or spinach for a nutritious boost!

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

No Cream of Chicken Soup? Use cream of mushroom or make a homemade roux with butter, flour, and milk.
Low-Carb Option – Swap pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free pasta and crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
Extra Creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream or extra cheese to the sauce.

⏳ Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready!
Freeze before baking by wrapping tightly with foil and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheat leftovers by covering with foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.

🍲 How to Make Cheesy Ham Casserole

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

3️⃣ Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, diced ham, and shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta mixture in, spreading it out evenly.

5️⃣ Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs) with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

6️⃣ Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal!

🥡 Leftovers & Storage Tips

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave individual servings.

🍽️ Time to Dig In!

This Cheesy Ham Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re using up leftovers or just need an easy weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Let me know in the comments how it turned out or if you tried any fun variations! Happy cooking! 💛🍽️