Last week I mentioned that my husband and I had an intimate dinner of macaroni and cheese (sans kids). I saved the leftovers for my 17-month old son and he gobbled it up.
This recipe is even easier (and tastier) than packaged mac & cheese, except it takes longer to cook. The only problem I had was that some of the macaroni on top did not cook all the way — and those pieces were a little crunchy. The recipe says not to mix during cooking so I didn’t. And just like my daughter told me yesterday after doing something that she wanted “I’m a good listener.”
Because of the milk and cheese, this recipe is perfect for kids over 8 with higher calcium needs. This one comes from my favorite cookbook, SOS: The 6 O’Clock Scramble to the Rescue!
Enjoy!
Servings: 8
Prep: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 TBS butter or margarine
2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4-1/2 tsp salt to taste
1/4 tsp dry mustard powder
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 oz precooked andouille or turkey sausage, diced (1 cup) (optional)
3 1/2 cups skim milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put the butter in a 2-quart casserole dish and let it melt in the oven. Remove it and then add the macaroni to the dish and stir and coat. Stir in the salt, mustard, nutmeg, cheese and sausage (optional). Pour the milk over everything and stir gently.
Bake it for an hour, uncovered (don’t stir while cooking). Let the casserole cook for 5 to 10 minutes before serving it. Serve with a salad or favorite vegetable.
This sounds great! I have been looking for an easy mac and cheese recipe and I think that this is it!
I don’t have elbow macaroni in my pantry. Can I substitute penne pasta instead? If so, would I still use 2.5 cups?
Thanks
This is interesting because it doesn’t require you to make a roux. Looks simple and easy! I’m happy you got to enjoy a nice meal with your hubby.
This was SO easy and very yummy. Even the left overs are delicious. I did not have elbow macaroni. I used whole wheat rotini and it turned out amazing!
I used penne and it cooked through with no problem. It was very easy and yummy, but I was disappointed it wasn’t really a cheese sauce, but rather clumps of cheese. I will try it again (and again and again!), but see what happens if I stir halfway through.
I agree not super cheesy but worth a remake!
My kids LOVE this!! Thanks for such a simple but yummy recipe!
Your welcome. I’m glad it turned out!
I just had to tell you that I, too, own and love Aviva Goldfarb’s cookbooks based on what she calls, The 6 O’Clock Scramble. Brilliant title and wonderful, easy, nutritious recipes for the entire family. Cheers to a healthier mac & cheese!
Thanks Cindy! I agree! There are not a lot of cookbooks I love but this one is exceptional.
Thanks to Sheri for posting… I was wondering if I could use whole wheat rotini! I’m definitely going to be making this!
I’m sur it should be fine. Let me know if it turns out!
This is a good recipe is pretty good, i added a couple more ingredients: onions, garlic, pepper, broccoli, and chicken broth. it’s easy to do as your waiting for the butter to melt in the oven! and my 4 year old couldnt get enough! thanks.