Hearty Ham & Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

By HeatherS

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped celery
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups (330 mL) Milk
• 1 can (370 mL) 2 % evaporated milk
• 1 cup (250 mL) shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup (80 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (500 mL) macaroni
• 3 cups (750 mL) small broccoli florets
• 1 cup (250 mL) Black Forest Ham, diced or
• cooked bacon,c

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Butter an 8-cup (2 L) casserole dish.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; sauté onion and celery for about 3 min or until lightly golden. Sprinkle with flour; cook stirring for 1 min. Whisk in milk and evaporated milk; cook, stirring for about 5 min or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, salt and pepper.

Meanwhile in a large pot of boiling water, cook macaroni for 5 min or until almost tender. Add broccoli; cook for 1 min. Drain and add to sauce along with ham (if using); stir to coat. Spread into prepared casserole dish.

Topping:
In small bowl, combine butter, bread crumbs and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over macaroni. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 min or until bubbly and golden.