Quick Ham Macaroni Casserole

Turn dinner into a comforting, crowd-pleasing masterpiece with this Quick Ham Macaroni Casserole! Loaded with tender elbow macaroni, bite-sized chunks of savory cooked ham, and sweet pops of peas, all enveloped in a creamy homemade cheddar cheese sauce, this easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. Topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb and parmesan crust, it adds the perfect crunch to every bite. Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal prep, this recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover ham while satisfying the whole family. Serve this baked ham and cheese casserole with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that hits all the comforting notes. Perfect for quick family dinners or potluck gatherings, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1.5 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cups grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until lightly golden.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, diced ham, frozen peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 7

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

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 9

Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1585.6 grams (1585.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3382

Total Fat 165.80g	213%
Saturated Fat 89.40g	447%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 576mg	192%
Sodium 8276mg	360%
Total Carbohydrate 274.60g	100%
Dietary Fiber 18.30g	65%
Total Sugars 49.20g
Protein 202.90g	406%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2554mg	196%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 2102mg	45%

*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: 43.9%

Protein: 23.9%

Carbs: 32.3%