Some days just call for comfort food. You know the ones. After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated meal. You just want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. Something the whole family will eat without any complaints.
That is where this amazing baked mac and cheese comes in. It is one of my favorite Easy Dinner Recipes for a reason. It is simple, uses basic ingredients, and tastes so much better than anything from a box. It’s a real crowd pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about a casserole dish full of creamy, cheesy pasta? This is one of those Easy Food Recipes that feels like a warm hug. The sauce is so smooth and rich, clinging to every single noodle.
But the real star might just be the topping. A simple mix of breadcrumbs and butter gets baked into a golden, crunchy crust. It provides a wonderful contrast to the soft pasta underneath. Every bite is a mix of textures and flavors.
This is also a fantastic choice when you need Cheap Dinners For A Family. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find. Plus, this recipe makes a generous amount, so you will likely have leftovers for lunch the next day. A true win win situation.
It has become a staple in our house because it is a reliable hit. It is one of the best Kid Friendly Dinners you can make. Even the pickiest eaters seem to love this dish. It is a simple, homemade meal that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. They are simple staples that come together for a delicious meal. This is a classic example of Easy Food Recipes using everyday items.
- 16 ounce box of elbow macaroni noodles
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of butter, divided
- 1/3 cup of all purpose flour
- 3 cups of milk (whole milk makes it creamier)
- 12 ounces of cheese, shredded
- 3/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 tablespoons of bread crumbs (Italian style or plain)
Step By Step Instructions
Making this dish is straightforward. Don’t be intimidated by making a cheese sauce from scratch. It is much easier than you think. I will walk you through it. This is one of the Easy Dinner Recipes you will quickly memorize.
Step 1: Cook The Macaroni
First things first, get your macaroni cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package directions. You want them to be al dente, which means they still have a slight bite.
Once they are cooked, drain the noodles well. Do not rinse them. The starch on the pasta helps the cheese sauce stick better. While the pasta is cooking, you can go ahead and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Make The Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now for the best part, the sauce. In a saucepan, melt a half cup of butter over medium heat. Once it is melted, stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring constantly. This little step cooks the raw flour taste out.
Slowly pour in the milk while you keep stirring or whisking. It is important to add it slowly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring as you bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for about two minutes. You will see it start to thicken up nicely.
Turn off the heat. Now add in your shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glorious. Give it a taste and see if it needs any more salt.
Step 3: Combine And Assemble
Pour your cooked and drained macaroni noodles into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Gently stir everything together until every single noodle is coated in that creamy goodness. This is one of those moments that makes you excited for dinner.
Next, transfer the entire mixture into a two quart casserole dish. A nine by thirteen inch pan also works perfectly. Spread it out evenly. We are so close to having one of the tastiest Easy Dinner Recipes ready for the oven.
Step 4: Add The Topping
Let’s prepare the crunchy topping. In a small bowl, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Add the four tablespoons of bread crumbs and a little dash of pepper. Mix it all together until the crumbs are coated in the butter.
Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. This layer is going to get so golden and crispy in the oven. It is what makes baked mac and cheese so special.
Step 5: Bake To Golden Goodness
Place your casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. You are looking for the sauce to be bubbly and the top to be a beautiful golden brown. The smell that will fill your kitchen is absolutely amazing.
Once it is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set up just a little bit. Then, scoop it onto plates and enjoy one of the most comforting Easy Dinner Recipes ever.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the mac and cheese cool down to room temperature first. Then, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When you are ready to reheat it, you can use the microwave for a quick option. Or, you can place it in an oven safe dish and warm it at 350 degrees until it is heated through. I like to add a splash of milk when reheating to make it creamy again.
Tips
Want to change things up a bit? Feel free to play with the cheese. While classic cheddar is great, a mix of cheeses can add more flavor. Try adding some Gruyere for nuttiness or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
You can also add some fun mix ins. Cooked bacon, steamed broccoli florets, or shredded chicken are all delicious additions. It’s a great way to turn this side dish into a full meal. This makes it one of the most versatile Easy Dinner Recipes.
This recipe makes a lot of food, which is great for a crowd or for leftovers. But if you are cooking for a smaller group, you can easily halve the recipe. Just use a smaller casserole dish. This flexibility is great for Cheap Dinners For A Family of any size.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and comforting homemade baked mac and cheese. It truly is one of the best Easy Dinner Recipes to have in your collection. It is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special Sunday dinner.
I hope your family loves this dish as much as mine does. It is more than just a meal. It is a bowl of warmth and happiness that brings everyone together. Enjoy making one of these fantastic Easy Food Recipes.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is classic, other short pasta shapes work wonderfully. Try shells, penne, or rotini. The little ridges and cups in these shapes are great for holding onto that creamy cheese sauce.
What Kind Of Cheese Works Best?
A medium or sharp cheddar cheese is a great choice for classic flavor. For the best melt, I recommend buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself. Pre shredded cheeses often have additives that can make the sauce a bit grainy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, you can. Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten free variety. For the sauce, use a gluten free all purpose flour blend. And make sure your bread crumbs are gluten free as well. The results will be just as delicious.
Is This Recipe Good For Picky Eaters?
This is one of the ultimate Kid Friendly Dinners. Most kids love mac and cheese, and this homemade version is so much better than the boxed kind. It is creamy, cheesy, and has a simple flavor profile that appeals to even the pickiest of eaters.
Comforting Baked Mac and Cheese
This easy, homemade baked mac and cheese is a satisfying comfort food. With its rich, creamy cheese sauce and golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a family-friendly meal that tastes far better than any box mix.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, get your macaroni cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package directions. You want them to be al dente, which means they still have a slight bite. Once they are cooked, drain the noodles well. Do not rinse them. The starch on the pasta helps the cheese sauce stick better. While the pasta is cooking, you can go ahead and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Now for the best part, the sauce. In a saucepan, melt a half cup of butter over medium heat. Once it is melted, stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring constantly. This little step cooks the raw flour taste out. Slowly pour in the milk while you keep stirring or whisking. It is important to add it slowly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring as you bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for about two minutes. You will see it start to thicken up nicely. Turn off the heat. Now add in your shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glorious. Give it a taste and see if it needs any more salt.
- Pour your cooked and drained macaroni noodles into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Gently stir everything together until every single noodle is coated in that creamy goodness. This is one of those moments that makes you excited for dinner. Next, transfer the entire mixture into a two quart casserole dish. A nine by thirteen inch pan also works perfectly. Spread it out evenly. We are so close to having one of the tastiest easy dinner recipes ready for the oven.
- Let’s prepare the crunchy topping. In a small bowl, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Add the four tablespoons of bread crumbs and a little dash of pepper. Mix it all together until the crumbs are coated in the butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. This layer is going to get so golden and crispy in the oven. It is what makes baked mac and cheese so special.
- Place your casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. You are looking for the sauce to be bubbly and the top to be a beautiful golden brown. The smell that will fill your kitchen is absolutely amazing. Once it is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set up just a little bit. Then, scoop it onto plates and enjoy one of the most comforting easy dinner recipes ever.
Notes
Want to change things up a bit? Feel free to play with the cheese. While classic cheddar is great, a mix of cheeses can add more flavor. Try adding some Gruyere for nuttiness or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
You can also add some fun mix ins. Cooked bacon, steamed broccoli florets, or shredded chicken are all delicious additions. It’s a great way to turn this side dish into a full meal.
This recipe makes a lot of food, which is great for a crowd or for leftovers. But if you are cooking for a smaller group, you can easily halve the recipe. Just use a smaller casserole dish. This flexibility is great for cheap dinners for a family of any size.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
