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If you're craving comfort food, this Ham and Macaroni Casserole is a must-try. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ham. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Let's dive into this easy, delicious recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ham and Macaroni Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, ham, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
What You Will Need
H2: What you will need to make ham and macaroni casserole
- Macaroni: Provides the base, offering a chewy texture that holds the dish together and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Ham: Adds a savory, smoky flavor and protein, making the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, rich sauce that binds the ingredients and adds a sharp, tangy taste.
- Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce when combined with cheese and flour, enhancing the casserole's texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce, ensuring it clings to the macaroni and ham.
Read more: Sausage Macaroni Casserole Recipe
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Ham and Macaroni Casserole Recipe
- Saucepan: Essential for making the cheese sauce by melting butter, mixing in flour, and gradually adding milk until thickened.
- Mixing bowl: Needed to combine cooked macaroni, diced ham, and cheese sauce thoroughly before transferring to the baking dish.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the casserole, ensuring even cooking and achieving a bubbly, golden brown top.
- Whisk: Helps in smoothly blending flour into melted butter and incorporating milk without lumps for a creamy sauce.
- Colander: Drains cooked macaroni efficiently, preventing excess water from diluting the cheese sauce.
Ham and Macaroni Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting casserole with ham and macaroni, perfect for family dinners.
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Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Read more: Ham and Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup ham diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, ham, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
You can add some breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
Read more: Ham and Vegetable Casserole Recipe
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from fridge and let sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove from fridge, let sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Using evaporated milk instead of regular milk can make the cheese sauce creamier and richer without adding extra fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
About 45 minutes, including baking time.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely, peas, broccoli, or bell peppers make great additions.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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