Stove Top Macaroni & Cheese

foodtvfan's Note:

Since macaroni is the featured ingredient for May 2004, here is an easy one-pot stove top macaroni and cheese recipe my friend gave to me. My family likes it served with toasted buttered garlic bread and a green salad.Use one or more of the variations provided to suit your tastes and to use up leftovers.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced green peppers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 dash parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt butter in large deep skillet (12” wide x 3” deep) or pot.
2. Add raw macaroni, onion, green pepper, salt and dry mustard.
3. Stir in water and milk.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer COVERED for 10 to 15 minutes until macaroni is tender.
6. Stir frequently.
7. Remove from heat.
8. Stir in grated cheese (s) until melted.
9. Stir in one or more of the following add-ins and seasonings (optional).
10. Add cooked meat such as chopped chicken, ham, hamburger, chopped sausages for a few minutes before finished cooking time to heat thoroughly.
11. Add a 14 oz. can stewed tomatoes, drained (use the liquid for the water in the recipe) just before bringing ingredients to a boil in the recipe.
12. Add some chopped celery, chopped green onion, or leftover cooked veggies.
13. Vary the seasonings by using chili powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, or fresh ground pepper.

Reviews

[bmcnichol]

Very good and easy to make. I followed the recipe as written other then I didn't add the onions or peppers as I was just looking for a macaroni & cheese recipe. I didn't add any of the optional ingredients either. We all enjoyed this. My boys thought it had a sharp taste but I used mild cheddar cheese. Next time I will omit the mustard and see if that helps. If that doesn't I will try some different cheese. All in all a really good recipe. My kids are very picky about their macaroni and cheese and they enjoyed this. I liked that the recipe didn't use flour. Quick and easy side dish. I will be making this again.

[Terri Newell]

Easy and delicious. I left out the onions and peppers [my kids don't like add-ins with their mac and cheese]. I wondered if I would need to thicken the sauce with a flour slurry, but it comes together quite nicely. I used about 1/4 cup parmesan at the end.

[Sam #3]

Quick and simple! I added about 1/2 lb of hamburger and upped the parmesan to about 1/3 cup. I didn't add any veggies this time, but I probably will next time. Thanks!