Ham and Macaroni Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Ham and Macaroni Casserole is a weeknight dinner hero that's sure to please the whole family. Featuring tender elbow macaroni bathed in a rich, homemade cheddar cheese sauce, this recipe gets a delightful upgrade with chunks of savory diced ham, sweet frozen peas, and a subtle hint of garlic. A golden breadcrumb and cheese topping adds an irresistible crunch that perfectly complements the creamy base. Ready in under an hour and perfect for leftovers, this casserole delivers hearty flavors and easy prep. Serve it bubbling hot straight from the oven for a crowd-pleasing meal that's both nostalgic and satisfying. Try this baked pasta dish tonight for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

Step 5

Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.

Step 6

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni, diced ham, and frozen peas to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Ham and Macaroni Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1854.1 grams (1854.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4008

Total Fat 188.30g	241%
Saturated Fat 91.90g	460%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.20g
Cholesterol 672mg	224%
Sodium 11909mg	518%
Total Carbohydrate 341.10g	124%
Dietary Fiber 21.60g	77%
Total Sugars 58.10g
Protein 236.60g	473%

Vitamin D 269IU	1347%
Calcium 2344mg	180%
Iron 21mg	116%
Potassium 2732mg	58%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.3%

Protein: 23.6%

Carbs: 34.1%