Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 1/2–2 cups homemade white sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti until just tender. During the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the same pot. Drain everything well.
3. Place the cooked spaghetti, broccoli, and diced ham into the prepared casserole dish.
4. Prepare the white sauce and pour it evenly over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until everything is coated.
5. Mix together the Parmesan and breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the casserole.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned.
7. Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

Kid Chef Jobs

• Measure the spaghetti and Parmesan cheese.
• Break broccoli into bite-sized florets.
• Stir the pasta, broccoli, ham, and sauce together.
• Sprinkle on the breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

Adult Helper

An adult should cook the spaghetti, prepare the white sauce, safely handle the hot casserole dish, and remove it from the oven.

Great for Leftovers

This casserole is an excellent way to use leftover holiday ham. It also works well with cooked turkey or chicken if you don't have ham available.

Easy Variations

• Replace the spaghetti with penne, rotini, or shells.
• Add mushrooms, peas, or cauliflower.
• Use cheddar or mozzarella with the Parmesan for a cheesier topping.
• Stir cooked mushrooms or caramelized onions into the sauce.
• Serve with a green salad and homemade bread for a complete meal.