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!
- 2 TBS butter or margarine
- 2½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- ¼-1/2 tsp salt to taste
- ¼ tsp dry mustard powder
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 oz precooked andouille or turkey sausage, diced (1 cup) (optional)
- 3½ 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 sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving it.
- Serve with a salad or favorite vegetable
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
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.