Ham and Mac Bake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. 2
   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
3. 3
   Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes.
4. 4
   Drain.
5. 5
   Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; whisk flour, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and black pepper into butter.
6. 6
   Pour in milk and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and whisk until sauce is thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
7. 7
   Stir macaroni, ham, and apple slices into sauce.
8. 8
   Spread mixture into a 2-quart casserole.
9. 9
   Combine soft bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter in a bowl; sprinkle crumbs over casserole.
10. 10
    Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is bubbly and crumb topping is browned, about 35 minutes.