Description
Ham & Cheese Lasagna Bake is a rich and comforting twist on classic lasagna, layered with tender pasta, savory cooked ham, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and a silky homemade white sauce. It’s an easy family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
12 lasagna noodles
400 g cooked ham, thinly sliced or chopped
250 g ricotta cheese
200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
100 g grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy White Sauce
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups (720 ml) milk
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Topping
1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain them carefully and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet so they don’t stick together.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until creamy and evenly combined.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and lightly bubbling.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until creamy and slightly thickened.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish.
6. Spread a thin layer of the creamy white sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce in an even layer.
7. Spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add one-third of the chopped ham, followed by about one-quarter of the shredded mozzarella. Spoon another layer of white sauce over the top.
8. Continue layering the noodles, ricotta mixture, ham, mozzarella, and white sauce until the filling ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining creamy white sauce.
9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
10. Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.
12. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
13. Sprinkle the top with fresh chopped parsley. Slice into generous portions and serve warm alongside a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.
Notes
Cook the noodles only until just al dente so they don’t become too soft during baking. Add the milk gradually while whisking constantly to keep the white sauce smooth and prevent lumps. Thinly sliced deli ham or leftover cooked ham both work well. Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes helps the layers firm up and makes slicing easier. Bake the lasagna covered first to keep it moist, then uncover it to create a golden cheesy top. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the white sauce and topping. You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. It may need additional baking time when starting cold. Leftover cooked ham is an excellent choice for this recipe. Cottage cheese can replace ricotta. For a smoother filling, briefly blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the egg and seasonings. Cooked spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, roasted peppers, or sautéed zucchini can be added to the layers. Drain or cook vegetables well first to prevent excess moisture. If the white sauce develops lumps, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before assembling the lasagna. Store cooled leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven until hot throughout. Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, mixed roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian