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Cheesy Broccoli and Ham Pasta Casserole
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Medium baking dish
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
  • Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last two minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute until bubbly. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce.
  • Stir in the garlic powder along with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar until melted.
  • Combine the drained pasta and broccoli with the diced ham in a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a crispier top, mix a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs with the final cheese layer before baking. Leftovers reheat best in the oven at 350°F with a splash of milk stirred in to restore creaminess. You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and bake it straight from the refrigerator, adding five extra minutes to the cook time.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Large pot, Saucepan, Medium baking dish, Whisk