Cheesy Ham Macaroni

By suekendrick

Ingredients

• 1 package elbow macaroni (8 oz. size)
• 6 Tb. butter, divided
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• dash of black pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups fully cooked ham, cubed
• 1 can mushroom stems & pieces, drained (4 oz. size)
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz Crackers

Preparation

Step 1

Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile in a large saucepan, melt 4 Tb. of the butter. Stir in flour, slat and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil and cook and stir for 1 minute or until thick. Reduce the heat to medium/low. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Stir in the ham,mushrooms and macaroni. Transfer to a greased 13x9 inch pan. Melt the remaining 2 Tb. of butter and then mix the cracker crumbs into the butter and then sprinkle the cracker crumbs all over the top of the macaroni mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. The mushrooms in this recipe are optional.