Hurry Up Ham Supper

This comforting Hurry Up Ham Supper is the ultimate weeknight savior, combining tender elbow macaroni and savory cubed ham in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce. The sharp cheddar melts perfectly into a roux-based milk reduction, creating a rich, satisfying texture that feels like a warm hug. A hint of cayenne pepper adds just enough warmth to cut through the creaminess, while sauted green peppers provide a fresh, slightly sweet crunch. Its a classic "hodgepodge" style casserole that comes together in under 40 minutes. Serve it hot from the oven, perhaps with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious cheesy goodness. Its rustic, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Cooking Method: Baking, Sautéing

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Calories: 528.5

Description

This comforting Hurry Up Ham Supper is the ultimate weeknight savior, combining tender elbow macaroni and savory cubed ham in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce. The sharp cheddar melts perfectly into a roux-based milk reduction, creating a rich, satisfying texture that feels like a warm hug. A hint of cayenne pepper adds just enough warmth to cut through the creaminess, while sauted green peppers provide a fresh, slightly sweet crunch. Its a classic "hodgepodge" style casserole that comes together in under 40 minutes. Serve it hot from the oven, perhaps with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious cheesy goodness. Its rustic, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Green Pepper; Chopped
1/4 cup Butter Or Regular Margarine
1/4 cup Unbleached Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
1 dash Cayenne Pepper
2 cup Milk
2 cup Cheddar; Sharp, Shredded
2 cup Elbow Macaroni; Cook & Drain
1 cup Ham; Cubed
6 ea Tomato Slices

Directions

1
Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
3
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4
Add the chopped green peppers to the melted butter and saut for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
5
Sprinkle the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper over the peppers and butter, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
6
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and stir constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
8
Gently fold in the drained macaroni and cubed ham until everything is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
9
Transfer the mixture into a 1.5-quart baking dish or casserole, spreading it out evenly.
10
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
11
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
12
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with tomato slices if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 528.5kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16.1g25%
Saturated Fat 5.2g26%
Cholesterol 31.2mg11%
Sodium 5874.4mg245%
Total Carbohydrate 72.6g25%
Dietary Fiber 11.1g45%
Sugars 12.4g
Protein 31.0g62%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: ham, macaroni, cheese sauce, casserole, cheddar, comfort food, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, green pepper, baked pasta, family meal, quick dinner, cheesy, ham and cheese, leftovers

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/hurry-up-ham-supper/