Who doesn't love a scrumptious baked mac and cheese? I don't know many folks who aren't lovers of the cheesy side dish. But did you know you can make it even better? You can turn it into a main course with one simple addition!
This reminds me of my Scalloped Potato and Ham Casserole, but my kids think it's so much better!
Scroll down for a printable version.
What do you need?
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, or any other pasta your family likes
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 ½ cups shredded cheese (go with a mixture you like, we used sharp and jack)
1 12oz ham steak, cut into small cubes
What do you do?
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8x8 brownie size pan.
2. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
3. Melt the butter in a large sauce pot. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir until incorporated.
4. Put back on the heat, add your milk, slowly, whisking to thoroughly incorporate.
5. Once the heat has heated a bit, about 6 minutes, stir in the 2 cups cheese, until it is melted.
6. Drain your pasta and toss into the pot, stir in your cubes of ham and pour it all into your baking pan.
7. Top with ½ cup of grated cheese and bake until the top is nice and bubbly.
Notes: Double the recipe to feed a crowd.
