Mac and Cheese with Ham

Cheesy macaroni and savory ham are combined to make this super easy and amazing no-boil mac and cheese with ham recipe.

Farmhouse Mac & Cheese with Ham

Only recently have I given the no-boil baked macaroni and cheese a try and it’s so easy I’m not sure if I’ll ever go back. Add some diced up leftover ham for a family meal that is so easy and delicious.

I think my kids could live on pasta alone so we’re always trying to add some other food groups to the dish they love most. We began with Ham and Alfredo Spaghetti and then made an easy and basic Baked Mostaccioli Casserole, before landing on our family’s favorite Spaghetti Pizza. When we want to use the crock pot we make Farmhouse Crock Pot Spaghetti.

The goal is to make meals that kids will eat and adults will enjoy. Sticking with the Italian theme we also enjoy Chicken and Bacon Carbonara and Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti.

We love cheese and carbs, so naturally, we found a way to make a delicious side dish into a main dish pasta and meat casserole that our whole family can enjoy.

Mixing nearly all of the ingredients together and tossing it in the oven takes the same amount of hands-on time as it does to make a blue box of macaroni but gives a true homemade flavor to the mac and cheese! This recipe was inspired by my friend Carlee’s No-Boil Mac & Cheese Recipe and a video she did with her son on Facebook!

We like our macaroni cheesy but not necessarily creamy. This recipe can be made creamier by adding up to 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese cut into 1/2 slices and add in a layer in the dish before baking. Our favorite creamy recipe is our Crock Pot Mac & Cheese.

Tips for Homemade No-Boil Macaroni & Cheese

• Be careful about adjusting the amount of milk or pasta in this recipe as having the right ratio is critical to the success of the dish
• A typical 1 pound box of elbow macaroni pasta hold 3.5 cups, so you will use a little more than half of the box, but be sure to measure
• Bake covered to help hold in moisture
• Diced ham can be mixed in with uncooked macaroni or sprinkled on top with the last layer of cheese towards the end of baking
• Can be baked in a 9 x 9″ baking dish which takes 50 minutes where a 9 x 13″ dish takes 40-45 minutes before uncovering to add final layer of cheese.
• Up to 8 ounces of thinly sliced Velveeta cheese can be added to make creamier mac and cheese
• When making plain mac & cheese I like to substitute dry mustard for Worcestershire sauce, but I like how the mustard compliments the ham flavor
• About any combination of shredded cheese that you enjoy can be substituted in this recipe

What Else Can Be Mixed In Mac & Cheese

Our favorite things to mix in pasta is ham, sausage or bacon. The smoked meat adds so much flavor to a pasta and cheese dish. When working with a fully cooked meat it only has to be warmed (as opposed to fully cooked) as the macaroni and cheese casserole dish heats up.

Peas are the easiest vegetable to be mixed in because the pieces are small, so the flavors mix in as opposed to dominating the dish. Peas can also be warmed quickly as the dish bakes.

Broccoli is another excellent complementary flavor to macaroni and cheese. Broccoli can be mixed in, but the pieces need to be cut small and uniformly which can take more time than just making it as a side dish in the air fryer. We also like to serve our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad on the side when we’ve got some in the refrigerator.

Peas or broccoli should be stirred in with the uncooked macaroni and baked.

How To Make Baked Mac & Cheese with Ham

• Stir salt, pepper and dry mustard into milk. If you have kids that get all worked up about spots in the mac and cheese leave the pepper out.
• Pour milk and seasonings into a greased 9 x 13″ baking dish.
• Sprinkle pasta, cheddar cheese and ham evenly over the top of the milk and stir lightly if desired. I find that the ingredients typically sink right down into the milk.
• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes in a 350 degree F oven. If the mixture is still soupy bake for 5 – 10 more minutes.
• Uncover and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5 – 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
• Allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving and know that the pasta will continue to cook and absorb remaining moisture at this time.

What to Serve with Ham and Macaroni and Cheese

• Air Fryer Broccoli with Garlic
• Asian Asparagus
• Ranch Glazed Carrots
• Air Fryer Asian Asparagus
• Vegetable Tray

Printable Recipe for Mac & Cheese with Ham