Ham Casserole with Asparagus and Cheddar Cheese

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Ham Casserole with Asparagus and Cheddar Cheese—a comforting, one-dish masterpiece that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This baked casserole layers tender pasta, savory diced ham, and vibrant asparagus in a luxuriously smooth cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with a golden, bubbly crust of Parmesan and optional crispy breadcrumbs. With just 20 minutes of prep time and customizable options for your favorite pasta shapes, this recipe is a flavorful and satisfying way to use up leftover ham. Whether served as a hearty main dish or paired with a crisp green salad, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup bread crumbs (optional for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue whisking until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add bread crumbs for a crispy topping.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2278.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3890.4

Total Fat 157.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 89.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 667.0mg	0%
Sodium 11276.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 368.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.3g	0%
Total Sugars 59.3g
Protein 260.1g	0%

Vitamin D 298.0IU	0%
Calcium 3039.0mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 4215.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.1%

Protein: 26.5%

Carbs: 37.4%