Macaroni Casserole

Health score
2%
Macaroni Casserole
72 min.
26
157kcal

Suggestions


If you're looking for a comforting dish that brings everyone together, this Macaroni Casserole is ideal for your next gathering. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it serves as a delightful side dish, antipasti, or even a warming starter. This recipe skillfully combines the classic taste of macaroni and cheese with the savory goodness of diced ham and nutritious spinach, making it a deliciously satisfying option for any occasion.

The blend of cheddar cheese and cream cheese ensures a wonderfully creamy sauce that envelops each piece of pasta, while the unique hint of nutmeg adds an unexpected depth to the flavor profile. Plus, the crunchy panko topping gives it the perfect finishing touch, adding a satisfying contrast to the soft, comforting macaroni beneath. It's not just a dish; it's a warm hug on a plate!

This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also serves a generous 26 portions, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or potlucks. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when your guests arrive. So gather around the table and take delight in this hearty Macaroni Casserole, as it promises to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!

Ingredients

  • ounces cream cheese 
  • 0.5 cup ham diced
  • 10 ounce elbow macaroni 
  • tablespoons flour all-purpose
  • teaspoon hot sauce 
  • cups milk 
  • 0.3 teaspoon nutmeg 
  • tablespoons onion grated
  • cup panko bread crumbs 
  • 26 servings salt and pepper 
  • ounces cheddar shredded
  • 10 ounce pkt spinach frozen dry thawed
  • tablespoons butter unsalted
  • teaspoon worcestershire 

Equipment

  • oven
  • whisk
  • pot

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 2-quart dish. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, 7 to 8 minutes.
  2. Drain.
  3. Melt 1 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Saut ham until browned, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add onion; saut 1 minute.
  5. Add spinach; saut 1 minute.
  6. Remove from heat.
  7. In a pot, melt 4 Tbsp. butter over medium heat.
  8. Add flour; whisk and cook until golden, about 2 minutes.
  9. Whisk in milk.
  10. Add Worcestershire, hot sauce, nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Cook, stirring, until thick, 7 to 8 minutes.
  11. Remove from heat; mix in cheeses. Fold in pasta.
  12. Spread half of pasta mixture in dish. Top with ham mixture, then rest of pasta.
  13. Mix 2 Tbsp. melted butter with panko; sprinkle over dish.
  14. Bake until golden, 20 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories157kcal
Protein14.52%
Fat53.14%
Carbs32.34%

Properties

Glycemic Index
10.15
Glycemic Load
1.14
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
7.7682608521503%

Flavonoids

Isorhamnetin
0.04mg
Quercetin
0.16mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:156.66kcal
7.83%
Fat:9.32g
14.34%
Saturated Fat:5.35g
33.45%
Carbohydrates:12.76g
4.25%
Net Carbohydrates:11.94g
4.34%
Sugar:1.79g
1.99%
Cholesterol:26.86mg
8.95%
Sodium:340.24mg
14.79%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:5.73g
11.46%
Vitamin K:41.4µg
39.43%
Vitamin A:1578.89IU
31.58%
Selenium:11.95µg
17.07%
Calcium:113.35mg
11.34%
Manganese:0.21mg
10.52%
Phosphorus:98.24mg
9.82%
Vitamin B2:0.13mg
7.49%
Folate:25.08µg
6.27%
Magnesium:20.63mg
5.16%
Zinc:0.69mg
4.62%
Vitamin B1:0.07mg
4.45%
Vitamin B12:0.22µg
3.71%
Vitamin E:0.55mg
3.67%
Potassium:115.51mg
3.3%
Fiber:0.82g
3.27%
Iron:0.57mg
3.14%
Copper:0.06mg
3.04%
Vitamin B6:0.06mg
3%
Vitamin B3:0.5mg
2.48%
Vitamin B5:0.22mg
2.24%
Vitamin D:0.32µg
2.1%
Source:My Recipes