Cheese, ham, and broccoli all baked

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Skill Level: Beginner
Yield: One 9×13 inch casserole (about 8 servings)
Recipe Category: Main Course, Casserole
Recipe Cuisine: American

In the world of comfort food, few dishes reign as supreme as a hearty, cheesy bake. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm blanket on a chilly day. This recipe for the Ultimate Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Bake takes that classic concept and perfects it, transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into a spectacularly satisfying one-dish meal. Imagine tender pasta and crisp-tender broccoli florets, combined with savory chunks of ham, all enveloped in a rich, homemade cheese sauce that is far superior to any canned soup shortcut. The entire creation is then crowned with a final layer of cheese that bakes into a glorious, golden-brown crust.

This casserole is the hero of busy weeknights, potluck dinners, and “clean-out-the-fridge” genius. It’s incredibly forgiving, easily adaptable, and delivers a complete, balanced meal of protein, vegetables, and carbs all from a single dish. The process of making a simple roux-based sauce might seem intimidating to some, but it’s a fundamental skill that unlocks a world of cooking and is achieved here with clear, step-by-step guidance. The result is a creamy, decadent texture without any artificial flavors. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even cooked chicken, this bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

12 ounces (340g) short pasta, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini
4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)

For the Mix-Ins and Topping:

2 cups (10oz/285g) cooked ham, diced into ½-inch cubes
2 cups (8oz/225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup (4oz/115g) shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente, but 2 minutes before the time is up, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling water with the pasta.
This method blanches the broccoli perfectly—making it tender-crisp and bright green while saving you from washing an extra pot. After 2 minutes, drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Savory Cheese Sauce

In the same large pot you used for the pasta (no need to wash it!), melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and whisk constantly for about 1 minute. This cooks the raw flour taste out and creates your roux, the base for the sauce.
While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the milk and then the broth. It will look lumpy at first, but will smooth out as you whisk. Continue to cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble gently, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and nutmeg. Then, gradually add 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the Gruyère cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

To the pot of cheese sauce, add the drained pasta and broccoli, the diced ham, and the remaining ½ cup of cheddar and ½ cup of Gruyère cheese. Reserve the Parmesan for the top. Stir everything together until all components are evenly coated in the luxurious sauce.
Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a deliciously savory and slightly crisp top crust.

Step 4: Bake to Golden-Brown Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the top is a spotty golden brown.
For an extra crispy top, you can switch the oven to a high broil for the final 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This rest period is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve neat portions.

Step 5: Serving Your Masterpiece

Use a large spoon or serving spatula to portion the bake onto plates.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the cheese at its peak stretchy, gooey perfection.

Notes

Protein Swaps: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute the ham with an equal amount of cooked, shredded chicken, turkey, or even drained and rinsed canned tuna.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, thawed frozen peas, or diced bell peppers would be excellent additions. Add them when you stir in the ham.
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
Freezing: This bake freezes well. Assemble it completely (but do not bake), cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems too thick after combining everything, you can thin it out with a splash of extra milk or broth. If it seems too thin, don’t worry—the pasta will absorb some of the excess liquid as it bakes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approximately 1.5 cups)

Calories: ~485
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 980mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 28g

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used, particularly the ham and cheese. To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium ham and broth.