BROCCOLI-HAM MACARONI

Broccoli-Ham Macaroni image

Creamy and cheesy, this dressed-up version of mac and cheese provides all the goodness of comfort food without the extra fat. -Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups fat-free milk
2-1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
TOPPING:
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, place 1 in. of water in a large saucepan; add broccoli. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender., In another saucepan, saute the onion, ham and red pepper in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are crisp-tender. Sprinkle with flour; stir until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Stir in the cheese, parsley, mustard and seasonings until blended. Drain broccoli and macaroni; stir into cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish (dish will be full)., Combine bread crumbs and butter. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Fat 16g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 57mg cholesterol, Sodium 734mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 27g protein.