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Easy Ready-Made Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Overview
This Easy Ready-Made Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a convenient and quick alternative to boxed macaroni dinners. With its simple preparation and delicious taste, it’s perfect for families looking to enjoy a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Servings: Varies
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Romano cheese, grated
- 2 tsp dry mustard
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp margarine or butter
- Milk, as needed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Macaroni Mix:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and divide the cooked pasta into four 1-quart ziplock bags.
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Add Ingredients to Each Bag:
- To each bag of cooked macaroni, add: 1/8 cup flour, 1/4 cup combined Parmesan and Romano grated cheeses, 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
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Store for Later Use:
- Seal the ziplock bags and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows for easy meal preparation ahead of time.
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Cooking Each Serving:
- When ready to serve, melt 1 tablespoon of margarine or butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the Macaroni Mixture:
- Add the contents of one bag of macaroni and cheese mixture into the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
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Season and Add Milk:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup or more of milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is heated through and a creamy sauce forms. Adjust the amount of milk based on desired consistency.
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Serve:
- Once heated through and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1022.6
- Total Fat: 43.9g
- Saturated Fat: 21.7g
- Cholesterol: 98.4mg
- Sodium: 933.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 109.8g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugar: 3.8g
- Protein: 45.3g
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe is rated 5 stars based on 3 reviews, indicating its popularity and success among users.
- It’s categorized as “Kid Friendly”, “Quick (under 30 mins)”, “Stove Top”, “Easy”, and “Inexpensive”, making it suitable for busy weeknights or whenever a quick meal is needed.
- The make-ahead nature of this recipe allows for flexibility in meal planning, ensuring you have a delicious homemade option ready to go whenever you need it.
Enjoy this Easy Ready-Made Macaroni and Cheese recipe for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!