Cheesy Ham Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta
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Cheesy Ham Bow Tie Pasta is a quick and easy ham casserole perfect for dinner! Cheesy casserole recipe with noodles and ham. It’s perfect for when you have leftover ham. The creamy cheese sauce that smothers the pasta and ham is amazing!
Cheesy Ham Casserole with Bow Tie Pasta
Casseroles are a mainstay in our house this time of year because when the whole family is running in different directions with after school activities and work stuff sometimes I think it’s a small miracle that we can all meet at the table for dinner! Having go-to casserole recipes like this Cheesy Ham Casserole makes it easy to get dinner on the table instead of ordering pizza or take-out, which sometimes is so tempting when it seems like there’s no time to cook. Thank you, casseroles, thank you! This cheesy casserole is comforting, filling and only takes 20 minutes to prep before it goes in the oven.
After making One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet and scalloped potatoes I found this recipe that I wanted to try with some leftover Baked Ham. The hubby absolutely loves cheese, especially mac n cheese so I figured this was the perfect recipe because it’s basically glorified mac n cheese with ham. My ham and cheese tortellini is another great way to use up leftover ham!
It was super easy to whip up after work and you should have most of these ingredients already in your house. If you don’t have Colby cheese you can use whatever cheese you have in your fridge. I served peas on the side but if you get really crazy and daring you can mix them right in. No Parmesan cheese? Use some bread crumbs. The possibilities with this recipe are endless.
My family loves this creamy cheesy casserole and I think your’s will, too!
If you’d rather skip my (very helpful, I think) tips and tricks, essential cooking info, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to this easy ham casserole recipe – simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.
What is in Ham Casserole?
- farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- butter
- garlic
- flour
- salt and pepper
- milk
- prepared mustard
- Colby cheese
- cooked ham
- Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
Pasta: I used farfalle pasta which look like little bowties, but you can use any kind of short pasta shape for this recipe. Penne, gemelli, cavatappi (corkscrew), small shells, oriecchiette (little ears), rotini and macaroni all work, too! So, use what you have in your pantry.
Cheese: I like to use Colby cheese for this recipe, but any good melting cheese will work. You can substitute cheddar cheese, provolone, American cheese, and Swiss cheese. For a fancier twist, you could try Gruyere, Fontina or smoked cheddar!
Ham: This recipe is great for using up leftover ham, but you don’t have to wait until you cook a ham to make it! You can buy packages of diced cooked ham at the grocery store. Look for it near the deli section.
Parmesan Cheese or breadcrumbs: If I don’t have grated Parmesan cheese on hand I substitute breadcrumbs and sprinkle those over the top instead. Both work great!
How do I make Ham Casserole?
- First, boil the pasta until it’s al dente. Al dente means it’s cooked through but still firm. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked
- To make the sauce, first, melt the butter in a large oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook it in the oil for a minute or so. Sprinkle the flour and salt and pepper and whisk them with the butter until smooth.
- While stirring constantly, slowly pour in the milk and whisk it with the flour-butter mixture. Boil the mixture for one minute. Add the mustard and Colby cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and then remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the pasta and ham and stir until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F or until it’s bubbling and golden on top.
What tools do I need to make Ham Casserole?
- large pot for boiling the pasta
- large oven-safe pan
- liquid measuring cup
- whisk
What is in a casserole?
Basically, a casserole is a meal that is cooked in a baking dish in the oven. The one I’m sharing is a pasta casserole but there are casseroles made with rice or other starches like potatoes. They can have all kinds of different veggies and proteins added, too. There’s no shortage of casserole recipes at our house. We love Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole and Vegetable Casserole, too!
What’s the difference between a stew and a casserole?
Stews are usually cooked on the stovetop and casseroles are baked in the oven.
What’s the difference between hot dish and casserole?
They’re similar but not the same! A hot dish is usually made with meat (often ground beef), a creamy soup, vegetables and potatoes like tater tots. Although, there are tons of variations! Casseroles, on the other hand, sometimes don’t have meat and may be made with rice or pasta.
Comforting Cheesy Ham Casserole – it just sounds so delicious, right? Once you try it I’m sure it will go in your dinner rotation! Want more recipes? Check out a few more of our favorites!
More recipes using leftover ham!
Love Casseroles? Here are more casserole recipes!
- Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Lasagna Casserole
- Meatball Sub Casserole
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Beef Noodle Casserole
Love this Ham Casserole as much as we do? I’d love it you would rate this recipe!! A five-star rating will make my day!
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats that way I’m sure to see your pictures!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Ham Casserole Recipe with Bow Ties
Ingredients
- 16 oz farfalle pasta
- 1/4 c. butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 c. milk
- 1/2 tsp prepared mustard
- 2 c. shredded Colby cheese
- 2 c. cooked ham cubed
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta & cook 8-10 minutes or until al dente, drain.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Saute garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour, salt & pepper. Cook & stir until smooth. Pour in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Stir in mustard & Colby. Continue to cook stirring occasionally until cheese is melted. Remove from heat & stir in ham & pasta. Pour into a baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake 30 minutes or until bubbly & golden.
Debbie says
I tried this tonight and my grandkids and I loved it. The only change I made was as I mixed cheddar and mozzarella to mix in. I had a little of each left over from another recipe. Very tasty!
Julie Evink says
Sounds like a delicious way to mix it up! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Whitney says
Do you use the bagged cheese or block and grate it yourself for the Colby?
Julie Evink says
You can use either, but freshly grated cheese always melts better!
Beth says
Delicious! Family loved this dish, and I have the pickiest 10 year old. I added peas in dish do I wouldn’t have to make a vegetable side. Also used swiss cause that’s what I had. YUMMY!!
Julie Evink says
Awesome to hear Beth! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Erin says
Have you ever tried to freeze this?
Julie Evink says
I think it would work fine!
Kelly Hollis says
Great recipe, followed it exactly. It fit perfectly in a 13×9 inch pan. I will definitely make this again!
Julie says
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Jennifer L says
I saved this recipe and have made many times. Always a huge hit! I have always made right before we eat but have you ever made this the day before and just not baked until before eating?
Julie says
I’m glad you enjoy this one! I have never tried it as a make-ahead meal, if you try it out let me know how it goes!
Nan says
I was going to just scroll down and print the recipe, like you mentioned. Instead I started reading your tips and tricks. Amazing! A lot of helpful information. Have you tried this recipe in the pressure cooker?
Julie says
I have not tried this one in the pressure cooker but I do have a somewhat similar dish that is made in the instant pot you could try! Hope you enjoy!
https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/instant-pot-pressure-cooker-ham-penne-pasta/
Tillie Grace says
What size baking dish, please? I’m thinking 9×13; am I correct?
Julie says
Yes, this should work fine in a 9×13.
Jessica Formicola says
I made this for dinner last night and it was incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Julie says
You’re welcome! Glad it was a hit!
Britni says
The family really loved this quick and easy dinner, thank you
Julie says
You’re welcome!
Julie Evink says
Thank you! My kids are so finicky too!
Tonia says
Looks fantastic! My kind of comfort food!
Julie Evink says
Can’t pass up some good comfort food!
Anonymous says
this looks like a great recipe for running to the field!