Best 2 Cheesy Ham Macaroni Recipes

Indulge in a culinary delight with our irresistible Cheesy Ham Macaroni, a delectable dish that combines the comforting flavors of macaroni pasta, melted cheese, and savory ham. This classic casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is desired.

This recipe features two variations to suit your taste preferences. The first recipe, "Classic Cheesy Ham Macaroni," delivers a traditional and heartwarming experience with a creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni. The second recipe, "Cheesy Ham Macaroni with a Twist," adds a touch of excitement with a tangy tomato sauce that complements the cheesy goodness and ham's smoky flavor.

Both variations are easy to follow and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy home cooks. Step-by-step instructions and a detailed ingredient list ensure that even novice cooks can achieve a mouthwatering and visually appealing dish.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Prepare to savor the ultimate comfort food experience with our Cheesy Ham Macaroni recipes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEESY MACARONI WITH HAM

Cheesy Macaroni with Ham image

Enjoy this cheesy pasta that's made with ham and tomatoes and topped with bread crumbs - a tasty Italian dinner.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

11/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (8 oz)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cups milk
11/2 cups chopped cooked ham
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 cup soft bread crumbs (about 1 1/2 slices bread)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Steps:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, using minimum cook time.
Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium-high heat. Cook garlic in butter, stirring frequently, until golden. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in flour, salt, mustard and red pepper. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens, about 5 minutes. Gently stir in ham, tomatoes and cooked macaroni.
Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted. Spoon into baking dish. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over macaroni.
Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until browned and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 525, Carbohydrate 43 g, Fat 4, Fiber 2 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1063 mg

CHEESY HAM MACARONI

Cheesy Ham Macaroni image

I'm often asked to bring this comforting casserole to potluck dinners, and it's a favorite of my family's, too. The rich and creamy easy-to-fix dish is a great way to use leftover baked ham. -Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1/2 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 11 crackers)
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile in large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheese; cook and stir until melted. Stir in the ham, mushrooms and pimientos. Drain macaroni; stir into ham mixture., Transfer to a greased shallow 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs; dot with remaining butter. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 420 calories, Fat 24g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 80mg cholesterol, Sodium 983mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your macaroni and cheese will taste. Look for a good quality cheddar cheese and a flavorful ham.
Cook the macaroni al dente: You don't want the macaroni to be mushy, so cook it for the time specified on the package, or until it's just tender.
Make a creamy cheese sauce: The cheese sauce is the key to a good macaroni and cheese. Use a combination of cheddar cheese, milk, and butter to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Add some vegetables: If you want to add some extra nutrients to your macaroni and cheese, you can add some chopped vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or peas.
Bake it until golden brown: Baking the macaroni and cheese will give it a nice golden brown crust. Bake it for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Cheesy ham macaroni is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy cheese sauce, flavorful ham, and tender macaroni, it's a dish that everyone will love. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side dish, cheesy ham macaroni is sure to be a hit.