Sunshine Ham And Pasta(Casserole)
A creamy ham and pasta casserole with melted cheddar, green peppers, and a mustard-infused sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in butter in a large saucepan until tender.
- Stir in flour and salt.
- Gradually add canned milk and water, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat until mixture just comes to a boil and thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add prepared mustard, cooked macaroni, julienne ham, and chopped green pepper.
- Heat to serving temperature and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of canned milk. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with penne or fusilli for a different shape. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ham can be used, and adding a sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the flavor without much effort. For a touch of heat, incorporate a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sunshine Ham and Pasta casserole with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with California Broccoli Salad for a colorful presentation. A slice of crusty bread on the side can also soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry. This casserole also freezes well; just ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunshine Ham And Pasta(Casserole) contains roughly 579 calories, with 10g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% 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 cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses for added depth. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding in vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You may also want to increase the amount of cheese for added flavor and protein.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some spice, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes along with the ham. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar for a nice kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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).