Easy One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Ham Recipe
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved classic that everyone loves. It’s creamy, cheesy, and delicious. This version of mac and cheese takes it up a notch by adding ham, making it a fabulous quick and easy weeknight recipe. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious, but don’t have a lot of time or energy to devote to cooking. Plus, it’s all made in just one pot!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add in the cooked macaroni and diced ham and stir until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve and enjoy!
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have a lot of time or energy to devote to cooking. Plus, it’s all made in just one pot, so clean-up is a breeze. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good one-pot meal?
One great trick for this recipe is using leftover ham. If you have leftover ham from a holiday or a big family meal, this is the perfect recipe to use it up. The ham adds a delicious salty flavor to the mac and cheese, making it even more satisfying.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to customize. You can add in your own favorite mix-ins, like diced tomatoes or green onions, to make it even more flavorful. And if you’re feeling indulgent, you can even top it with crispy bacon or breadcrumbs.
So if you’re looking for a quick and easy mac and cheese recipe that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this one-pot mac and cheese with ham. It’s sure to become a weeknight staple in your house!