I cannot tell a lie……I love recipes that are fast and easy. Of course, there are lots of recipes that I’m very willing and happy to make that AREN’T fast and easy, BUT, they are my second love, mostly! While this Ultimate Simple Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe takes an hour to bake, it only takes 5-10 minutes to throw together and into the oven!
This one came in an insert of our newspaper, years ago….. I’ve made it literally hundreds of times! Over the years, I’ve tweaked this and added that, and, really, no matter what you add or take away, it is STILL one of my favorites to make, and eat!! Oh, and it’s good enough for company too!!
Macaroni and Cheese like you’ve never had it before!
This baked macaroni and cheese is not like your traditional gooey, Velveeta type mac and cheese. This is more robust, and well….. I guess you’ll just have to try it out and see what you think!
All it takes is 4 main ingredients, plus seasoning’s. You can add ham, or Kielbasa chunks, to make it a main dish, or just use it as a side for meatloaf or ham or whatever you want!
Ideal for Make Ahead Freezer Meals
Freezer meals are lovely things! Whether it’s stocking your freezer for a new baby’s arrival, sending your child off to college with homemade meals, or simply planning for busy days when there is no time, or desire to cook, they are just IT!!
I make this for freezer meals that I put into little black freezer containers to pull out when I’m too lazy to cook! Throw in a hearty helping of Ultimate Simple Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a couple pieces of meat, a pile of veggies, slap the lid on and you’ve got your own TV dinner waiting for you!!
These are the containers I use for my freezer meals. They can also be used for meal prep, taking leftovers to work, and even portion control. They are BPA free, also! I love them! I like to pop the frozen food onto a plate before heating. You know…the plastic thing… But, they really are perfect for having a ready-made, single-serving meal sitting in your freezer, waiting to be eaten! If you are needing some for your own freezer meals, go HERE (paid link) to check them out!
Here is a mac and cheese meal, ready for the freezer!
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Leave me a comment if you’ve tried it, and if it’s a winner or not!
Simple Baked Macaroni and Cheese–The Ultimate!
Equipment
- 1 9 x 13 baking dish
- 1 liquid measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups UNCOOKED elbow macaroni
- ½ cup butter or margarine – 1 stick I use 1/4 cup and it is still lovley!
- 16 oz shredded cheese of your choice Mix and match, whatever kinds of cheese you have on hand.
- 5 cups milk
- Add salt and pepper, and onion power to taste.
- OPTIONAL: ham chunks or slices of Kielbasa. Add if you want to make this a main dish!
Instructions
Preheat Oven to 350℉.
- Spray baking dish with spray oil, or butter it.
- Layer Macaroni, slices of butter, and cheese, in order given, in a 9 x 13″ dish.
- Pour 5 cups milk carefully over the top layer.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and onion powder (optional), over entire pan.
- Bake at 350℉ for one hour. DO NOT COVER.
- If it is becoming too brown, you can lightly cover with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Good Thoughts
"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch." Orson Welles
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