Donna’s Ham Noodle Casserole

If you enjoy casseroles, you will love this one. Use left-over ham or substitute pork tenderloin, beef steak, chicken, or shrimp.

6 ounces (4 cups) uncooked noodles 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 large red or green bell peppers, thinly sliced 3/4 pound (3 cups) diced lean ham 1 cup frozen peas

White Sauce
3 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/4 cup flour 2 cups fat-free milk 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 2 tablespoons dry sherry or white wine salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 9 or a 7 x 11 inch baking pan. In a large saucepan, cook noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium skillet, heat oil. Add onions and cook until translucent. Remove from pan and set aside. Add mushroom and peppers to skillet and cook until tender. Add ham to the skillet. Add reserved onions and noodles to the skillet. Stir to mix. Add frozen peas.

To prepare white sauce, melt butter in a medium sauce pan. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat while stirring constantly. Add milk and bring to a boil while stirring constantly with a wire whip. Boil gently for 1 minute. Add white pepper, Italian seasoning, and sherry. Heat through. Taste the sauce and add extra salt and pepper if desired. Stir sauce into ham noodle mixture. Spoon into baking pan. Bake for 20 – 30 minutes or until heated through.

Serves 4

Nutritional Information per serving:

Calories: 485 Fat, gm.: 18 Protein, gm.: 30 Carbs, gm.: 51 Cholesterol, mg.: 115 Fiber, gm.: 4.3