Are you ready to elevate your comfort food game with a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying? Look no further than this Crock Pot Ham Mac and Cheese! Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all brought together with savory diced ham. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Trust us, this is one dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds—and you’ll want to save room for thirds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 2 cups diced ham
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni, 4 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack), 2 cups diced ham, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 tsp mustard powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, and mustard powder. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
- In the same bowl, add the diced ham and stir to incorporate it into the milk mixture.
- Next, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the bowl, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the liquid mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to mix well so that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into your crock pot, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni and ham mixture in the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 2 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process to maintain the heat.
- After 2 hours, check the macaroni and cheese. The pasta should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and creamy. If it appears too thick, you can stir in a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Once cooked, carefully stir the mac and cheese to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Crock Pot Ham Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the cheese and milk mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just mix everything together in the morning and pour it into the crock pot!
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Adding a bit of gouda or pepper jack can give your mac and cheese a unique twist.
- Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking. Keeping the lid closed ensures that the heat stays trapped inside, allowing your pasta to cook perfectly.
- Adjust Consistency: If your mac and cheese turns out too thick, simply stir in a little extra milk after cooking to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Garnish for Flair: For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving, or add a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy, or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or a pasta bake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
