Super Budget Macaroni Cheese
Whip up a comforting and wallet-friendly classic with this Super Budget Macaroni Cheese recipe! Made with pantry staples like elbow macaroni, butter, milk, and a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy goodness without breaking the bank. A quick roux forms the base of the luscious cheese sauce, which can be customized with optional garlic powder for extra flavor. For a crispy, golden finish, top it with breadcrumbs and broil to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes and serving four, this budget-friendly macaroni cheese is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're looking for an affordable, heartwarming meal.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 g Elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Garlic powder (optional)
- 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
If desired, transfer the macaroni cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs, and broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Super Budget Macaroni Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1184 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.0 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 55.2 g | 276% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 291 mg | 97% | |
| Sodium | 2607 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.5 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.0 g | ||
| Protein | 60.5 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 1831 mg | 141% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 791 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
