Ham and Macaroni Skillet

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a cozy, creamy, and downright irresistible dinner, this Ham and Macaroni Skillet is just what you need. It's packed with savory ham, gooey cheese, and tender macaroni noodles—all cooked together in a single skillet for ultimate convenience. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or need to use up leftover ham, this dish hits the spot every single time. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

• One-pan meal means easy clean-up and less fuss.
• Creamy, cheesy texture with bites of smoky ham in every forkful.
• Perfect way to use up leftover ham from holidays or Sunday dinners.
• Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights!
• Kid-approved and endlessly customizable for picky eaters.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet and Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Ham and Liquids

2. Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Stir in Macaroni and Seasonings

3. Add the macaroni, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is just tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Peas

4. Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If using, fold in the peas and cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

5. Sprinkle extra cheese over the top and cover for 1 minute until melted. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

Notes

• If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
• For a crunchy topping, broil the finished skillet for 1-2 minutes till the cheese bubbles.
• Diced bell pepper or mushrooms can be added with the onions for extra flavor and color.

Variations

• Ham and Broccoli Skillet: Stir in 1 cup steamed broccoli along with the cheese.
• Spicy Ham and Macaroni: Use pepper jack cheese and add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
• Ham and Macaroni Bake: Pour mixture into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Required Equipment

• Large, deep skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Storage Instructions

• Let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

• Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
• Goes great with buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread for dipping up all the cheesy sauce.
• Add a glass of sweet iced tea or lemonade for a true comfort-food experience.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for maximum meltiness—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.
• Keep the heat on medium-low to prevent milk from scorching.
• Stir the macaroni occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Small shapes like shells or rotini work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I substitute the ham?

Absolutely—cooked chicken, turkey, or even crumbled bacon are tasty alternatives!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, just reheat gently and add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess before serving.

★★★★★ 4.20 from 28 ratings

Ham and Macaroni Skillet

yield: 4 servings

prep: 10 mins

cook: 25 mins

total: 35 mins

A hearty and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory ham, and melted cheddar cheese, all simmered together for an easy weeknight dinner.

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🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1
   Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. 2
   Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. 3
   Add the macaroni, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is just tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. 4
   Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If using, fold in the peas and cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through.
5. 5
   Sprinkle extra cheese over the top and cover for 1 minute until melted. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 600 caloriescal

Protein: 32 gg

Fat: 28 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 55 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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