If this isn’t already a staple in your household it’s bound to be! This casserole combines diced ham, noodles and broccoli florets tossed in a rich cheese sauce. Who’s thinking about having seconds?
Cook pasta in boiling water per manufacturer’s directions. Cool the finished cooked pasta in cold water and drain. Toss the drained pasta with a teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking and reserve until ready to use in a covered container under refrigeration.
Start making the sauce by melting ½ cup of butter in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Add the flour to the saucepan and stir. Continue stirring and cooking until the mixture becomes a light tannish/brown color. This takes about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, milk, salt and mustard, then stir or whisk until everything is well incorporated.
Bring the sauce to a simmer while stirring occasionally. Simmer sauce for 5-10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low on the sauce and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and reserve.
In a small mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika and melted butter. Mix until the butter is fully dispersed and reserve.
Preheat oven to 350˚ F.
In a mixing bowl, add pasta, ham, broccoli and sauce, then fold together until everything is well distributed.
Return pasta mixture to a greased 3-quart casserole dish and top with remaining ½ cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
Top with panko mixture and bake at 350° F for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165° F and the panko mixture is browned.
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