There are times when I’m ever so grateful for the fact that dh’s mom was a Home Economics teacher – he grew up learning how to cook, clean and sew. SCORE! He also came into our relationship armed with some heirloom recipes, things passed down from his grandmothers and mother, while I came in with Joy of Cooking and some Julia Child books. Clearly, we balance each other out.

To save on dishes, you can cook the pasta in an oven and stove-safe dish (such as a Le Creuset or other enameled cast iron). We don’t usually have an issue with two dishes to clean instead of one – but you know me: I’m all about making it easy on ya.

Note: if you don’t have time for the “bake” part of this dish’s name, don’t panic. When you get to the point that the ingredients have been combined, cook on the stove for just long enough to reduce the amount of liquid dramatically; this dish should be coated with the sauce but not saucy (eg. no pools of liquid on the plate).

Holy macaroni!

Prep Time: 0 mins

Cooking Time: up to 1 hr 10mins

Serves: 6

Ingredients

2 cups dry macaroni

12 oz package ham steaks

2 Tb sweet pepper flakes

1 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

10 oz can tomato soup

3 Tb dried minced onion

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup water

Make it Happen

1. Prepare the macaroni as directed on the box. While the macaroni is cooking, dice the ham into 1/2″ cubes.

2. Preheat the oven to 350F.

3. Once the macaroni is done cooking, drain, then add the other ingredients from the list above. Stir well to combine.

4. Place the mixture into an oven-safe container and bake for 45 mins.