Imagine a dish that combines the hearty goodness of ham, the vibrant freshness of green beans, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that'll have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. This Cheesy Ham Green Bean Casserole is not just a recipe – it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 can green beans, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Drain the canned green beans thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Add the diced cooked ham and green beans to the soup mixture. Gently stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the ham and green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot as a comforting main dish or side dish, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pat those green beans dry: Removing excess moisture prevents a watery casserole and ensures a perfect, creamy texture.
- Use high-quality cheese: A good sharp cheddar will elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.
- For extra crunch, consider topping with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
- Customize your protein: Leftover chicken or turkey can easily substitute ham if needed.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled earlier in the day and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- Let it rest: The 5-minute resting time isn't optional – it helps the casserole set and makes serving much easier.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese without compromising on flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg
