Ham Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor, this Ham Macaroni and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food your family will crave. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish gets an extra layer of indulgence with hearty chunks of diced, cooked ham. A golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping adds the perfect textural contrast, making every bite irresistible. Ready in just an hour, including prep and baking, this casserole is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a delicious way to use up leftover ham. Whether you’re looking for a classic baked macaroni and cheese with a twist or a satisfying one-dish meal, this recipe delivers full-on flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfectly comforting and crowd-pleasing!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional)
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter, for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente according to package directions, as it will cook further in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and lightly coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Remove from heat.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni and diced ham in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and ham, stirring until evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil (or melted butter). Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Ham Macaroni and Cheese Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1955.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4106.4

Total Fat 225.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 124.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 863.8mg	0%
Sodium 11139.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 244.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.3g	0%
Total Sugars 53.7g
Protein 275.9g	0%

Vitamin D 370.1IU	0%
Calcium 4230.1mg	0%
Iron 14.5mg	0%
Potassium 2721.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.3%

Protein: 26.9%

Carbs: 23.8%