Irene Stewart's Ham Macaroni Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Irene Stewart's Ham Macaroni Casserole, a creamy, cheesy bake that's perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This flavorful casserole combines tender elbow macaroni and savory diced ham with a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with a touch of garlic, onion, and paprika for a warm, satisfying flavor profile. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust drizzled with olive oil, this dish is baked to perfection in just 30 minutes. With its quick prep time and irresistible texture, this ham and cheese casserole is a crowd-pleaser that transforms simple pantry staples into a decadent, oven-baked masterpiece. Perfect for make-ahead meals and an excellent way to utilize leftover ham, it's a must-try recipe for any comfort food lover!

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni and diced ham in a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and gently fold until everything is coated.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1969.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4925.8

Total Fat 286.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 158.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 977.9mg	0%
Sodium 12235.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 311.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 48.0g
Protein 258.9g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 3352.7mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 2656.5mg	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: 53.0%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 25.6%