Introduction

Lasagna Mac & Cheese with Ham and Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the classic appeal of lasagna. This recipe provides a unique twist by incorporating ham and broccoli, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. Perfect for busy families, this dish can be prepared quickly and even frozen for later use, ensuring that you have a hearty meal on hand when time is short.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Pasta sheets: 9 lasagna sheets
Cooked ham: 200g, chopped
Broccoli: 200g, cut into small florets
Cheese sauce: 500ml
Grated cheese: 150g, for topping

Prep Time

Preparation time for this dish is approximately 10 minutes, making it a quick option for any day of the week.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is around 25 minutes, bringing the total time to about 35 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli

First, wash and cut the broccoli into small florets. Steam the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes until it’s tender but still slightly crisp. Once done, set it aside.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, diced ham, and cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated.

Assemble the Lasagna

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the pasta mixture at the bottom. Layer pasta sheets on top, followed by more pasta mixture, and repeat until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of cheese sauce on top.

Bake the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Cool and Store

Once baked, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. If you plan to freeze it, allow it to cool completely before packaging it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Notes

Adjust Cheese Type

Feel free to mix different types of cheese according to your preference. Cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese can all work well in this recipe.

Freezer Instructions

This lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Cook techniques

Layering

When preparing lasagna, layering is crucial. Alternate between pasta sheets, cheese, ham, and broccoli. This ensures even distribution of flavors and textures.

Cooking Pasta

Boil the pasta sheets in salted water until al dente. This prevents them from becoming mushy after baking.

Béchamel Sauce

Create a creamy béchamel sauce by whisking flour and butter together, then slowly adding milk. This sauce adds richness and moisture to the lasagna.

Baking

Bake the assembled lasagna in a preheated oven. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a golden crust on top.

Freezing

Allow the lasagna to cool completely before wrapping it tightly for freezing. This helps to preserve its texture and flavor for future meals.

FAQ

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, you can substitute or add other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini according to your preference.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta sheets and ensure that all other ingredients, including sauces, are gluten-free.

Can I prepare lasagna in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

How long does it take to cook from frozen?

If cooking from frozen, it typically takes about 1.5 times longer than cooking a fresh lasagna, so plan for around 1 to 1.5 hours.

What can I serve with lasagna?

Lasagna pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

This Lasagna Mac & Cheese with Ham and Broccoli is a delightful and versatile dish that combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the heartiness of lasagna. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for freezing, making it an ideal meal for busy days. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a wholesome and satisfying meal.

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