Mexican Ham and Pasta Bake: Weeknight Fast Leftovers

Mexican Ham and Pasta Bake is a deliciously simple weeknight fast way to prepare leftover holiday ham.

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

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.

Here are more leftover ham recipes you may enjoy:

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Mexican Ham and Pasta Bake

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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 degrees.
• 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.

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