4 oz. green noodles
1/3 c. onion, chopped
1/3 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced or canned mushrooms
3/4 c. butter
3/4 c. flour, sifted
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 qt. milk
1 c. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
3 c. cooked ham, cubed in half-inch cubes

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 1 1/2-quart casserole. Cook noodles according to package directions.

In large deep skillet saut onion, bell pepper and mushrooms in butter for 5 minutes. Add flour and seasonings. Stir until well blended. Add milk and cheese and simmer, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Add noodles and ham and blend well. Place about 5 1/2 cups mixture in greased 1 1/2-quart casserole. You may want to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top.

Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

This can be prepared ahead and frozen for future guests.

Yields 6 servings, 2 (1 1/2-quart) casseroles or 1 large casserole.