Macaroni With Ham And Broccoli
Creamy macaroni with ham and broccoli offers a comforting blend of cheesy, savory flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except cheese and mix well.
- Turn the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Cover and bake for 55 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Uncover and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute turkey ham or use a plant-based meat alternative. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or use a different flavor like cream of celery. To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder. For a crunchier topping, mix in some breadcrumbs with the cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This macaroni dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread for a comforting dinner. For a twist, consider serving it with a dollop of hot sauce for an added kick!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep the dish moist and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni With Ham And Broccoli contains roughly 496 calories, with 23g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (63% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 658mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's cooked al dente before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, to make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace it with additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also add cooked chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soup for added flavor.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this macaroni with ham and broccoli can be frozen. Ensure it cools completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until hot or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).