Ham and Pea Casserole Freezer Meal

Introduction

Ham and Pea Casserole Freezer Meal is your answer to stress-free weeknight dinners. This dish effortlessly combines tender ham, sweet green peas, and creamy sauce with hearty pasta for a comforting bake that’s freezer-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Its convenience, rich flavor, and wholesome ingredients make it a must-try for busy families and meal-preppers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Pea Casserole Freezer Meal

This casserole is a stellar make-ahead option that guarantees a satisfying meal with minimal effort on a busy evening. The salty ham, fresh burst of peas, and melty cheese all come together in a cream sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Freezing it doesn’t compromise its amazing texture, so you’ll always have a homemade meal ready when you need it.

Assembling the Casserole: Tips for Success

Start with prepping your veggies and ham. For quick, uniform chopping of onions and ham, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves time and ensures even cooking. Sauté the aromatics, toss in the diced ham, and prepare your sauce in a sturdy skillet, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, to prevent sticking and burning.

Par-boil your pasta, drain it, then combine everything in a bowl with peas and cheese. Stir to coat each morsel with that velvety sauce—every forkful will be just as good as the last.

Packaging for the Freezer

Once assembled, transfer your casserole to a freezer-safe baking dish or split it into two smaller trays for flexible serving options. Cover the surface with a layer of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll before sealing with foil; this helps prevent freezer burn and sticking. Label with the date and freeze up to three months.

Portion smaller servings for lunches using a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for grab-and-go convenience.

Baking and Serving Your Freezer Casserole

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge for best results. If baking straight from frozen, simply add 10–15 minutes to your bake time. Bake until golden and bubbling, then let it rest before slicing. Pair it with a crisp salad or steamed veggies for a balanced plate.

Nutrition and Serving Info

This freezer casserole makes 8 hearty servings. Each portion contains roughly 390–450 calories, depending on your cheese and ham choices. It’s a comforting all-in-one meal you can feel good about serving your loved ones.

Ham and Pea Casserole Freezer Meal: Summary

This casserole combines the classic flavors of ham and peas with a creamy pasta base—ideal for prepping ahead and feeding a hungry crowd. With make-ahead convenience and big flavor, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation for any busy season.

Instructions

1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to dice the onion and ham quickly and evenly.
3. In a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in diced ham and cook 2 minutes more. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, mustard, and sour cream until creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, peas, and sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
7. Transfer to a freezer-safe baking dish lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
8. Cover with parchment, then foil. Label with the date.
9. Freeze up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in fridge, then bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes (50–55 minutes if baking from frozen), until bubbly and golden.
10. For lunch portions, divide into Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl before freezing.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes (plus freezing time)