Macaroni Ham Casserole

Hey y'all! If you're craving something creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ham, you're going to love this Macaroni Ham Casserole. It's the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a meal that brings everyone together around the table. There’s just something magical about gooey cheese, tender pasta, and smoky ham baked to golden perfection. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

• Super easy to make with simple ingredients—perfect for beginners!
• Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite.
• A great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays or Sunday dinner.
• Kid-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.
• Hearty enough to serve as a main course or bring to potlucks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the sauce and stir to combine.

Step 3: Combine casserole Ingredients

5. Stir the cooked macaroni, diced ham, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and frozen peas (if using) into the sauce until everything is well coated.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 4: Make and Add the Topping

7. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For extra creaminess, add an additional ¼ cup of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream.
• Try using Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a different flavor profile.
• You can use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of ham if desired.

Variations

• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños before baking.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a tasty gluten-free version.

Required Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Spatula or spoon
• Small bowl (for topping)

Storage Instructions

• Let the casserole cool completely before storing.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables on the side.
• Add a slice of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort combo.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be just al dente for the best texture after baking.
• Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded for an ultra-creamy finish.
• If your casserole browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

FAQ

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
  Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake when ready.
• Can I use other types of pasta?
  Yes! Try penne, rotini, or shells for a fun twist.
• How do I reheat leftovers?
  Cover and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes (including baking)

★★★★★ 4.90 from 25 ratings

Macaroni Ham Casserole

yield: 6 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 35 mins

total: 55 mins

A comforting and creamy casserole made with elbow macaroni, diced ham, cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for an easy family dinner.

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🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. 2
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. 3
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
4. 4
   Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the sauce and stir to combine.
5. 5
   Stir the cooked macaroni, diced ham, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and frozen peas (if using) into the sauce until everything is well coated.
6. 6
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
7. 7
   In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
8. 8
   Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
9. 9
   Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 520 caloriescal

Protein: 27 gg

Fat: 26 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 43 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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