Miss Jackie's Ham & Noodle Casserole

Ingredients:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole or low-fat milk
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups diced cooked ham
1 cup frozen  peas, unthawed
8 ounces elbow or twisted macaroni, cooked and well drained

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 2-quart casserole; set aside. 

In a medium saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium-low heat. Stir in the onions, peppers and garlic and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.  Stir in the flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.  Add the remaining ingredients, except the ham and peas, and the pasta and  bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, until sauce is thickened, stirring constantly, about 5  minutes.  Stir in the peas and cook, uncovered, for about another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the ham and the drained macaroni. Pour into prepared casserole.  Cover and bake for 20 minutes.  Uncover and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes or until top is  lightly browned.  Serve immediately with tossed salad and fresh fruit on the side, if desired.  Yield:  3 to 4 servings.

Note:  You can also use cream of mushroom soup if you don't want to make the sauce yourself.