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Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese is an easy weeknight meal

If you have a busy family, this time of year can be just a bit overwhelming. The kids have school and activities, parents have work. On top of that, we’re all getting ready for the holidays. A quick, easy, and really yummy Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese is just what you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.

I think just about all kids love macaroni and cheese. Even picky kids seem to enjoy this creamy, smooth version. And, it would be a perfect first-time-cooking recipe. Macaroni and Cheese was the first thing I ever made by myself when I was 10. My Mom had only recently had another baby and she was just done with cooking. She took her recipe out of the little card file and said “Make this.” She was nearby to help, and if memory serves, it was excellent. Not to mention the start of a long life of cooking other really good food. This recipe is even easier than the one I made.

Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

Donalyn Ketchum

This a fast, delicious recipe to have dinner on the table in a hurry, and great to cook with your kids, if you want them to begin learning how to cook.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Meal Dinner

Servings to 8 servings

Equipment USED

5 Quart Heavy Dutch Oven

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups heavy cream warmed
1 1/2 cup whole milk warmed
4 cups shredded Cheese a mix of cheddar and colby-jack, or whatever you like
4 ounces cream cheese
1 pound gemelli or other pasta cooked
4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon pepper
to taste hot sauce [optional]
cooked, crumbled bacon [optional]

Instructions

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the flour and mustard and stir with a wooden spoon or whisk until a thick paste forms, 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in the cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sauce becomes thick.
Stir in worcestershire sauce.
Add the shredded cheeses and cream cheese and stir until mostly melted
Add the cooked pasta and stir well to combine.
Stir in salt, and pepper and cook until the ingredients are combined and hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Serve immediately, with hot sauce and crumbled bacon, if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge, and reheat slowly so the sauce doesn't separate.

Keyword cheese, easy meal, fast meal

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

It’s fast, as I mentioned before and you don’t even have to turn on the oven. See? All in one pan [you can cook the macaroni in the same pan, and set it aside in a strainer while you make the sauce.] and ready in no time at all.

We always like cheesy casseroles like this with a side of broccoli, or other cruciferous vegetables, like Brussels Sprouts. You can serve those on the side or maybe just mix in cooked broccoli and ham before serving. And, as noted in the recipe itself, crumbled bacon and hot sauce can be added at the table.

In any case, this quick and easy recipe will free you up to take care of the rest of whatever you have going on in a hurry. And, if you make it with your kids, they might decide that cooking is pretty fun too!