Macarrones con Jamón: Fresh Out of the Oven.

 

🍲 Macaroni with Ham and Cheese – Original Cuban Flavor

Are you looking for a recipe that combines tradition, flavor, and simplicity? These Cuban macaroni with ham and cheese are perfect for a complete and comforting meal. Prepared with homemade tomato sauce, smoked ham, and baked until golden, they win everyone over from the very first bite!

🧂 Required Ingredients

  • 1 pound of macaroni or elbow pasta
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons of dry or white wine
  • 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground basil
  • 1 tablespoon of ketchup
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon of oregano
  • ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 4 cups of peeled ripe tomatoes
  • ½ pound of ham
  • 3 slices of bacon
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese to taste
  • 1 gallon of water

 

 

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Bacon and Ham Sauté

Cut the bacon into small pieces and sauté it in oil until it releases its fat. Add the chopped ham and sauté briefly. Remove both and set aside.

2. Homemade Tomato Sauce

In the remaining fat, sauté the chopped vegetables (pepper, onion, garlic). Then blend these vegetables with the tomatoes until forming a paste. Return the mixture to the pot and add bay leaf, oregano, salt, paprika, ketchup, pepper, and basil. Once it boils, add the wine and cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens.

3. Cooking the Pasta

Boil the water with a pinch of salt and cook the macaroni until al dente (7 minutes). Drain well and mix with part of the sauce.

4. Assembly and Baking

In a baking dish, place a base of sauce, a layer of macaroni, and add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers and finish by adding the reserved ham and bacon. Add more cheese and decorate with strips of ham and pepper.

🔥 Final Baking

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and golden. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

ℹ️ Additional Information:

  • Servings: 8 portions
  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Cook time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Pizzas & Pastas
  • Cuisine: Cuban

📌 Related Keywords:

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Did you try this Cuban macaroni recipe? Share your experience in the comments. We love to know how you prepared it!

For the Spanish version, visit: Macarrones con Jamón: Receta Auténtica Cubana.