Cheesy Ham and Macaroni Casserole
Indulge in this delicious Cheesy Ham and Macaroni Casserole, a delightful dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Combining tender elbow macaroni, savory diced ham, and creamy cheese sauce, it's baked to bubbly perfection topped with a crunchy potato chip crust. This comforting meal is not only kid-friendly but also sure to please adults alike, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy a plate of warmth and flavor that's easy to prepare and, best of all, delightful to share!
4
Servings
420
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
3 cups (cooked)
cooked ham
2 cups (diced)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (for mixing)
margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon
milk
1 1/2 cups (whole or low-fat)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
potato chips
1/2 cup (crushed)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, diced ham, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Toss well to combine.
3
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the margarine. Once melted, gradually whisk in the flour, salt, and dry mustard until well blended.
4
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and ham mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
7
In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and crushed potato chips. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
8
Sprinkle paprika over the top for added flavor and color.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
44g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham and Macaroni Casserole?
It is a comforting baked dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory diced ham, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with crunchy potato chips.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 420 calories.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much ham is needed for this casserole?
You will need 2 cups of cooked, diced ham.
What kind of cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe specifies using 3 cups of cooked elbow macaroni.
How do I make the crunchy topping?
Mix 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with 1/2 cup of crushed potato chips and sprinkle it over the top.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
How much milk is required for the cheese sauce?
You need 1 1/2 cups of milk, which can be whole or low-fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 17.5g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 18g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 44g of carbohydrates per serving.
What thickening agent is used for the sauce?
All-purpose flour is used to thicken the cheese sauce.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard.
Is this recipe suitable for families with children?
Yes, it is categorized as a kid-friendly recipe.
How much margarine is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of margarine.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before assembling the dish?
Yes, the 3 cups of elbow macaroni should be cooked before mixing.
What is the garnish used for this dish?
1/4 teaspoon of paprika is sprinkled over the top for garnish.
How long does it take to cook the cheese sauce?
The sauce takes about 5-7 minutes to thicken over medium heat.
Can I use different types of milk?
The recipe suggests using either whole or low-fat milk.
How do I avoid lumps in the sauce?
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What should I do after removing the casserole from the oven?
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving warm.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include casserole, comfort food, family cooking, easy recipe, and ham.
Is the cheese divided in the recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of cheese is mixed into the macaroni and 1/2 cup is used for the topping.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What type of flour is used?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is used for the sauce.
How much dry mustard is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard.