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Ham & Cheese Casserole

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A quick and comforting Ham & Cheese Casserole combining tender diced ham, creamy shredded cheddar cheese, and elbow macaroni baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for busy nights, this one-dish meal is hearty, cheesy, and satisfying with minimal prep and easy clean-up.

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced cooked ham
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, as this will be the tender base for your casserole.
  2. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  3. Add cheese and seasoning: Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of your sauce.
  4. Combine ham and pasta: Mix the diced ham and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated beautifully.
  5. Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Choose good-quality ham for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; it should be slightly underdone before baking.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for deeper flavor.
  • Continuously stir the sauce to prevent lumps.
  • Cover casserole with foil while baking to retain moisture; remove foil in the last few minutes for a golden crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ham casserole, cheese casserole, quick dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/ham-cheese-casserole/