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    Home » Recipes » Main Courses with Meat

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    Mexican Ham and Pasta Bake: Weeknight Fast Leftovers

    Published: Dec 18, 2018 · Modified: Aug 11, 2023 by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Mexican Ham and Pasta Bake is a simple weeknight fast casserole of pasta, leftover ham, cheese and salsa. 

    Nobody ever said that making dinner had to be complicated. This Mexican Ham and Pasta Bake Recipe is an easy, hearty family meal that only takes about 40 minutes!

    Delight your taste buds with the combination of delicious flavors from melted cheese, zesty salsa, savory ham and creamy pasta sauce.

    So, if you’re in search of a delicious, easy-to-make meal, then this Mexican Ham and Pasta Bake is for you!

    ham and pasta bake in a casserole dish

    This dish is basically just mac and cheese with some ham tossed in and kicked up with salsa. What could be easier?

    Ingredients for Mexican Ham and Pasta Bake

    You can use any type of pasta you have on hand, but ideally you want a pasta that has nooks and crannies to hold on to the cheese such as shells, rotini or even elbow macaroni.

    I like a nice blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. But, you can use your favorite melty cheeses including pre shredded Mexican cheese blend.

    Butter and flour make the roux, thickening the sauce. You can use oil for the butter and a gluten free all purpose flour (like this one from King Arthur).

    After you make the roux, you need to add some milk, dairy or non dairy. The more fat, the creamier the final result.

    Then you'll mix in your favorite salsa and leftover ham. And finally top it with some fresh cilantro after baking.

    ham and pasta bake in a casserole dish

    Recipe

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound pasta (such as fusili, rotini, penne or elbow macaroni)
    • ¾ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
    • ¾ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons flour
    • 2 cups milk
    • ½ cup chunky salsa
    • 1 cup ham (diced)
    • 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350℉
    • Cook pasta half way, about 6 minutes, drain and set aside.
    • Combine both cheeses and set aside
    • Add butter to a saucepan, cook over medium for 2-3 minutes until brown. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil and cook for one minute. 
    • Remove from heat and add 1 cup of cheese. Whisk until smooth. Add pasta, ham and salsa. 
    • Sprinkle with remaining cheese and cilantro
    • Bake for 30 minutes.

    Sound fabulous? Share it!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marilyn

      December 18, 2018 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you so much for hosting again this week. You always do so much for bloggers! Have a relaxing week! I am off to see some posts. Looks like a lot of inspiration tonight.

      Reply

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