Ham and Cheese Pasta Casserole
Published Nov 02, 2022 Updated Feb 28, 2023
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What Makes This Recipe Great
I love recipes that are quick and easy to make, and that sneak in protein and veggies without the kids complaining! This ham mac and cheese casserole combines ham, cheese, and pasta to create a simple and delicious dish that everyone will love.
This is an easy recipe that only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. You can serve it for dinner, take it to a gathering, or serve it as a holiday side dish.
Ingredient Notes
Cubed Ham: I used Farmland’s fully cooked cubed ham. If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, this will also work!
Pasta: Use corkscrew pasta, macaroni, or gluten-free pasta of choice, cooked according to the package. Most types of pasta will work with this recipe.
Dairy: I use whole milk, heavy cream, regular butter, and shredded cheese for this recipe. If you are dairy free you can substitute non-dairy alternatives.
Frozen Peas: If don’t prefer peas, you can substitute cooked and chopped broccoli, or omit the vegetable altogether.
Crunchy Topping (Optional)
Cornflakes: You can use Kellogg’s Cornflakes cereal or a generic alternative.
Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Butter: Use regular butter or vegan butter if you prefer.
Recipe Step by Step
Ham and Cheese Pasta
- Cook macaroni or desired pasta according to the package directions.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a few minutes. Slowly add in milk and whisk to prevent lumping.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, frequently whisking until the mixture is thick.
- Add in the cooked pasta along with the cheese and salt and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cubed ham and frozen peas. Let sit until peas and ham are warm. Serve the macaroni and cheese by itself, or complete the next step for additional flavor.
Baked with Cornflake Mixture
- OPTIONAL: Combine crushed cornflakes, melted butter, and seasoning in a small bowl and mix until combined. Sprinkle this mixture on top of mac and cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer the dish to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes in a 350°F oven. Serve.
Mac’s Pro Tips
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free alternatives to butter, milk, cream, and cheese in the same quantities.
Storage: Store your leftover ham mac and cheese in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a little butter and reheat individual portions in the microwave. Give it a good stir and serve.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! If you have leftover ham, chop it into cubes and use 2 cups for this recipe.
Make this dish ahead of time by simply cooking the ham and cheese pasta first. Next, pour the pasta into a casserole dish and top it with the cornflake mixture. Then, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Follow the baking instructions on the recipe card when you are ready to bake.
You can serve this recipe on its own, alongside a salad, or as a side dish for all your holiday gatherings!
You’ll love these casserole recipes!
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Print
Ham Mac and Cheese Casserole
This ham and cheese pasta casserole is a creamy, cheesy, 40-minute recipe that is loved by kids and adults! Topped with a crunchy cornflake mixture and baked in the oven, this easy pasta recipe will be on repeat!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz.) package Farmland Fully Cooked Cubed Ham
- 8 oz corkscrew pasta or gluten-free pasta of choice, cooked according to the package
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 ½–3 cups shredded cheese
- 1 (8-oz.) bag frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crunchy Topping (Optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 3/4 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Pasta
- Cook macaroni or desired pasta according to the package directions.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a few minutes. Slowly add in milk and whisk to prevent lumping.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, frequently whisking until the mixture is thick.
- Add in the cooked pasta along with the cheese and salt and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cubed ham and frozen peas. Let sit until peas and ham are warm. Serve the macaroni and cheese by itself, or complete the next step for additional flavor.
Cornflake Mixture
- OPTIONAL: Combine crushed cornflakes, melted butter, and seasoning in a small bowl and mix until combined. Sprinkle this mixture on top of mac and cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer the dish to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes in a 350°F oven. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition Facts: The Nutrition facts for this recipe include the crunchy cornflake topping.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free alternatives to butter, milk, cream, and cheese in the same quantities.
Storage: Store your leftover ham mac and cheese in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a little butter and reheat individual portions in the microwave. Give it a good stir and serve!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop/Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Keywords: ham and cheese pasta, ham mac and cheese
