Imagine a dish that instantly transports you back to cozy family dinners, where every bite is packed with nostalgia and hearty flavors. This classic American hot dish is more than just a meal - it's a culinary hug that promises to satisfy your comfort food cravings in just under an hour! Passed down through generations, this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe combines tender ham, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked noodles that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb diced ham
- 1 cup noodles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes. This will help develop a rich, sweet flavor base for the dish.
- Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to warm through and slightly brown at the edges, which will enhance its savory flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Place the uncooked noodles in the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom. The noodles will cook and absorb the liquid during baking.
- Layer the sautéed ham and onions over the noodles, then sprinkle the frozen peas and carrots evenly across the top.
- Pour the soup and milk mixture over the entire dish, ensuring it covers the ingredients uniformly. Use a spatula to gently distribute the liquid if needed.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to help the noodles cook evenly and retain moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to become lightly golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the hot dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired for added color and freshness.
Tips
- Use high-quality ham for the best flavor - leftover holiday ham works wonderfully!
- Don't overcook the noodles before baking; they'll continue to cook in the sauce.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after removing the foil.
- This dish freezes beautifully - make an extra batch for quick future meals.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and skim milk.
- Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, so don't skip the optional parsley or green onion garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
