recipes
Cheesy Comfort: Ultimate Creamy Macaroni Casserole
Creamy Macaroni Casserole Recipe
Description: This Creamy Macaroni Casserole is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The addition of cooked ground beef or cubed ham offers a hearty twist, making it a versatile dish that appeals to all ages. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole will become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Calories | 585.5 |
| Rating | 5/5 |
| Reviews | 12 |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 3/4 cups | elbow macaroni |
| 5 oz | cheddar cheese (cubed) |
| 1 2/3 cups | half-and-half cream |
| 1 1/2 tsp | flour |
| 1 1/2 tsp | salt |
| 1/8 tsp | mustard powder |
| 1/8 tsp | black pepper |
| 1/4 tsp | cayenne pepper |
| 1/4 tsp | nutmeg |
| 1 1/2 cups | sour cream |
| 2 | eggs |
| 2 tsp | Worcestershire sauce |
| 1 1/3 cups | grated cheddar cheese |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 45 g |
| Saturated Fat | 27.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 193.7 mg |
| Sodium | 874.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 1.1 g |
| Protein | 22.5 g |
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Macaroni: In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until tender but firm (al dente). Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Melt Cheese: Add 5 ounces of cubed cheddar cheese to the hot macaroni, stirring until the cheese melts and is well incorporated.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, mustard powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg until evenly combined. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, sour cream, and eggs, along with the Worcestershire sauce, until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the creamy mixture over the macaroni and cheese, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer to Dish: Spread the macaroni mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese on top for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly liquid. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Once removed from the oven, let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly while maintaining a delightful creaminess.
Enjoy this comforting and satisfying Creamy Macaroni Casserole with your family and friends, and feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins like cooked ground beef or ham for an ultimate flavor experience!
