Crock Pot Ham Mac and Cheese Casserole

Crock pot macaroni ham and cheese casserole is comfort food at its best. Creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, hearty ham steaks, and fresh spinach come together in one cozy slow cooker dinner that's satisfying, protein-packed, and easy enough for even your busiest nights.

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The backstory.

Mac and cheese has always been one of those dinners that everyone happily gathers around, so adding ham turned it into a complete meal without a lot of extra work. I started making this recipe with a ham steak because it's easy to keep on hand, and now I make it year-round. It's creamy, cheesy, filling, and one of those dinners that tastes like it took a lot more effort than it actually did.

It's a must make.

If you're looking for a cozy dinner that's both hearty and easy, this macaroni ham and cheese casserole is one the family will request again and again.

• It's creamy, cheesy comfort food. The combination of cheddar, melty cheese, and a touch of sour cream creates an irresistibly rich sauce.
• It's a complete meal in one pot. Ham, macaroni, and spinach come together for a satisfying dinner with very little cleanup.
• It sneaks in extra veggies. Baby spinach blends right into the cheesy sauce, adding a little nutrition without overpowering the mac n cheese..
• It's great with ham steak or leftover ham. Use whichever you have on hand for an easy, budget-friendly dinner.

Let's talk flavor and texture.

If you love classic mac and cheese, this version takes it up a notch. The sauce is rich, creamy, and full of cheesy flavor thanks to a combination of processed cheese and sharp cheddar. Tender bites of ham add a savory, smoky flavor throughout, while the spinach softens into the sauce for a little freshness in every bite. A spoonful of Dijon mustard rounds everything out with just enough tang to make all the flavors pop without tasting overpowering.

What you'll need.

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Crock pot ham and cheese casserole comes together with simple pantry and refrigerator staples.

• Olive oil: Helps lightly toast the macaroni before it goes into the slow cooker for even better texture.
• Dry elbow macaroni: The classic pasta that holds onto all that creamy cheese sauce.
• Onion: Adds savory flavor as it cooks.
• Ham steak: Cut into bite-sized pieces, or substitute leftover ham if you have some.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Cooks the macaroni while adding flavor without making the dish too salty.
• Baby spinach: Adds color and a boost of vegetables that pair surprisingly well with the cheesy sauce.
• Processed cheese (Velveeta): Melts beautifully to create an ultra-creamy base.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold, classic cheddar flavor.
• Sour cream: Makes the sauce extra creamy with a slight tang.
• Dijon mustard: Enhances the cheese without making the casserole taste mustardy.
• Fresh parsley: Adds fresh flavor and a bright finishing touch.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

How to make cheesy slow cooker ham and macaroni casserole.

Macaroni ham and cheese casserole is super easy once everything is in the crock pot.

1. Add the ham, chicken broth, spinach, cheese cubes, and prepared macaroni to the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender.
3. Stir in the shredded cheddar, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and parsley.
4. Continue cooking just until all of the cheese has melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper if needed, then garnish with cracker crumbs or extra parsley before serving.

Make it your way.

Cheesy ham macaroni casserole is easy to make your own with a few simple swaps and additions.

• Swap the cheddar for smoked gouda for a richer, smoky flavor.
• Try pepper jack if you'd like a little kick.
• Stir in cooked broccoli or peas for extra vegetables.
• Use mozzarella for an even stretchier cheese pull.
• Substitute rotini, bow tie, ditalini, or other pasta if you want.
• Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the top before serving for a buttery crunch.
• Add a small can of drained diced tomatoes.
• A pound of cooked bacon can be substituted for the ham.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for another layer of flavor.

How to serve it.

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Slow cooker macaroni ham and cheese casserole is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but a few simple additions round out dinner perfectly.

• Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top just before serving for a fresh finish.
• Add crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery, crunchy topping.
• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
• Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus.
• Enjoy with warm dinner rolls, breadsticks, or crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of cheese sauce.

Kori's tips.

• Instead of pre-shredded cheese, use a block of cheddar cheese because it melts smoother into the sauce.
• Toast some of the macaroni before adding it to the slow cooker because it helps the pasta hold its texture.
• Wait until the end to stir in the cheddar, sour cream, and Dijon mustard so the sauce stays creamy and smooth.
• Start checking the macaroni around the 2-hour mark because slow cookers can vary and you don't want overcooked pasta.
• Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over each serving just before serving if you want an easy buttery crunch.
• If meal prepping, don't add the dry pasta with any liquid. Blister the pasta, cook the onion, and keep it separate.

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