Kid’s Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
Description:
This delightful Kid’s Macaroni & Cheese Casserole recipe is a nostalgic throwback to the days of easy, budget-friendly meals that please even the pickiest of eaters. Originally sourced from a humble box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, this dish holds a special place in the heart of many families, particularly those led by single parents striving to balance frugality with flavor. As a single parent myself, I understand the importance of serving meals that are both economical and appealing to children, and this casserole was a frequent request in my household.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Category: Cheese
Keywords: Meat, Kid Friendly, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 786.6
- Fat Content: 53g
- Saturated Fat Content: 25.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 184.8mg
- Sodium Content: 1167.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 26.3g
- Fiber Content: 3.1g
- Sugar Content: 9.6g
- Protein Content: 48.9g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 | Box of Macaroni & Cheese (such as Kraft) |
| 1 | lb Ground Chuck |
| 2 | Yellow Onion, chopped |
| 2 cups | Shredded Cheddar Cheese |
| 1 | Jar of Spaghetti Sauce |
| Butter (for greasing) |
Instructions:
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Brown Ground Chuck and Onion: In a large skillet, brown the ground chuck and chopped onion until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent. This step adds savory flavor to the dish and enhances the aroma.
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Add Spaghetti Sauce: Once the meat is browned, add the entire jar of spaghetti sauce to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, meaty sauce.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you assemble the casserole.
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Grease Casserole Dish: Generously butter a large casserole dish to prevent the macaroni and cheese from sticking during baking. This step ensures easy serving and cleanup.
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Layer Ingredients: Begin assembling the casserole by spreading half of the prepared macaroni and cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This forms the base of the dish and sets the foundation for the layers of flavor to come.
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Add Meat Sauce: Next, layer half of the meat sauce on top of the macaroni and cheese mixture. Spread it evenly to ensure every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
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Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat sauce layer. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey topping that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
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Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture on top of the cheese layer, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Finish off with another cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed for optimal flavor in every bite.
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Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Baking allows the flavors to meld together while the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden brown on top.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures a perfect serving temperature.
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Enjoy: Serve this delightful Kid’s Macaroni & Cheese Casserole as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings and potlucks. Watch as it disappears quickly, leaving behind satisfied smiles and empty plates.
This recipe yields a generous portion of cheesy goodness that’s sure to become a staple in your family’s meal rotation. Enjoy the simplicity and heartwarming flavors of this classic dish, passed down through generations and cherished by all who taste it.
