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+ servings

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Ham

Easy, delicious, and super creamy. Everyone loves this stovetop ham mac and cheese. Makes 8 servings.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Large pot

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups evaporated milk 32 ounces or 2 ⅔ cans
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • cup flour
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 3 cups packed shredded sharp cheddar cheese 12 ounces
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 ½ cups diced leftover ham or from a ham steak (cooked)

Instructions

  • Cook pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni to al dente, according to package directions. Carefully remove from heat and drain, then set aside.
  • Heat milk and broth. While the pasta cooks, combine evaporated milk and chicken broth in a small saucepan or medium-sized bowl. Cover and microwave the liquid for 2-3 minutes or warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Start roux. On medium-low heat, melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven and stir in flour until combined. Cook, stirring for an additional 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the heated milk mixture a little at a time and whisk together until the roux thickens.
  • Add seasonings. Add in Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Whisk until Parmesan cheese is melted and incorporated.
  • Add cheese. Off the heat, add in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese a handful at a time, whisking until melted.
  • Mix in pasta and ham. Stir in the cooked pasta and diced ham. Add additional salt and pepper to taste if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Using leftover ham is easiest here, but if you don't have any, you can easily get a ham steak from the store instead.
Or you can just make it plain without adding the ham at the end.
Always shred your own cheese. It melts better giving you a better cheesy sauce.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 704kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1047mg | Potassium: 580mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1069IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 771mg | Iron: 2mg
Servings: 8
Calories: 704kcal
Author: Katie Shaw