Mac and Cheese Makeover

I was reading through an issue of Southern Living Magazine and stumbled upon a recipe I was dying to try. It was called The City and The Country Mac and Cheese. I LOVE mac and cheese. I started reading through the ingredients and quickly realized this was going to be a pricey meal to make. I decided to make a cheaters version of this recipe that would be cheaper and easier. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients
2 boxes Velvetta Shells & Cheese
1.5 lbs fully cooked smoked ham, cubed
1/4 cup grated onion
1 tbsp vegetable oil
4 tbsp butter
1 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp flour
1/2 cup Panko
1/4 cup shredded cheese of your choice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare Velvetta pasta as directed on package.
3. Meanwhile, saute ham in 1 tbsp hot oil in large skillet for about 7 to 8 minutes or until ham is lightly browned.
4. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes and saute about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Next, add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, about two minutes or until mixture is golden brown and smooth.
5. Once the Velvetta pasta is prepared, add in your in your ham and onion mixture. Stir until well combined.
6. Pour mac n cheese into a 9x11 pan. Then sprinkle Panko and shredded cheese on top.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, then enjoy!