Best 3 Hearty Mac N Cheese Recipes
Macaroni and cheese, a classic comfort food loved by people of all ages, is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. From the traditional baked mac and cheese with a golden brown crust to the creamy stovetop version, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer a simple recipe with just a few ingredients or a more elaborate one with a variety of add-ins, this collection of hearty mac and cheese recipes has something for everyone.
In this article, you'll find a selection of recipes that range from the classic baked mac and cheese to unique and innovative variations. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, a list of necessary ingredients, and helpful tips to ensure a successful cooking experience. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating a delicious and satisfying mac and cheese dish. So, get ready to indulge in the cheesy goodness and explore the diverse flavors and textures that this classic dish has to offer.
HEARTY MAC & CHEESE
"Whether a cold winter night or rainy summer day, this is quick-and-easy comfort food at its very best!" And a great way to jazz up boxed macaroni mix. -Carol Wohlgemuth, Riding Mountain, Manitoba
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; set cheese packet aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain., Add the soup, water, ketchup, mustard and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4 minutes., Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture. Add the corn, cheese, contents of reserved cheese packet, butter and milk. Cook and stir until cheese and butter are melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 480 calories, Fat 24g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 92mg cholesterol, Sodium 1253mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE
This is a nice rich mac and cheese. Serve with a salad for a great meatless dinner. Hope you enjoy it.
Provided by Judy
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
- Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 858.2 calories, Carbohydrate 66.7 g, Cholesterol 141.6 mg, Fat 48.7 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 29.9 g, Sodium 879.3 mg, Sugar 10.7 g
HEARTY MAC & CHEESE
This was adapted from an Ellie Krieger recipe. I made a few of my own tweaks. A friend of mine challenged me to find a mac & cheese recipe that wouldn't leave us feeling like we ate our entire body weight in fattening dairy. I know it sounds strange to use squash as the base for the cheese sauce, but it actually worked. The dish doesn't taste like squash. It's nice and creamy with a crispy, browned top. If you're looking for a light alternative to many people's favorite comfort food, give this a try.
Provided by Diet It Up
Categories Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9 X 13 baking pan with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain.
- Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until the squash is fully defrosted. Turn the heat up and cook until almost simmering. Add the ricotta cheese. Use an immersion blender to make sure the squash, milk and cheese is nice and smooth (this isn't necessary, but it helped the consistency).
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Cheddar, Monterey Jack, salt, mustard and cayenne. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan and olive oil. Sprinkle over the top of the mac & cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Then broil for 3 minutes to crisp-up the top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 439.5, Fat 14.8, SaturatedFat 8.1, Cholesterol 39.6, Sodium 721, Carbohydrate 55.8, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 7, Protein 20.8
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Using fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your mac and cheese. Choose a sharp cheddar cheese that melts well, and use fresh milk and butter.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Don't overcook the pasta, or it will become mushy. Cook it until it is just tender to the bite.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. It helps to create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Use a variety of cheeses: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. A combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère is a classic, but you can also try using Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Fontina.
- Add some mix-ins: Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Try adding some cooked bacon, diced ham, or roasted vegetables.
- Top it with something crunchy: A crunchy topping, such as bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions, adds a nice contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it a perfect choice for a family meal. With these tips, you can make the best mac and cheese that will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
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