Heart-Healthy Cheesy Ham Casserole

Indulge guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Ham Casserole, a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Packed with nutrient-rich whole wheat pasta, vibrant veggies like spinach, red bell peppers, and onions, and a creamy, low-fat cheddar cheese sauce, this dish delivers big flavors without compromising your health goals. Diced low-sodium ham adds a savory, protein-packed kick, while dried thyme and black pepper infuse aromatic depth. Oven-baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With minimal prep time and only 350 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying, heart-smart meal the whole family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces low-sodium cooked ham, diced
• 1.5 cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup skim milk
• 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 4 cups spinach, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced low-sodium ham and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring it is warmed through.

Step 6

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth and skim milk over medium heat. Gradually add the whole wheat flour, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a sauce, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese into the sauce, allowing it to melt completely.

Step 8

Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables and ham mixture, spinach, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Season with black pepper and dried thyme, stirring until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Step 11

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy cheesy ham casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1608.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1529.3

Total Fat 59.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 210.7mg	0%
Sodium 2550.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 127.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.3g	0%
Total Sugars 27.7g
Protein 131.2g	0%

Vitamin D 143.4IU	0%
Calcium 1871.6mg	0%
Iron 12.6mg	0%
Potassium 3322.7mg	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: 34.2%

Protein: 33.4%

Carbs: 32.4%