Budget Macaroni and Cheese
Whip up a comforting classic without breaking the bank with this Budget Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is coated in a luxuriously creamy homemade cheese sauce made with pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this quick and easy recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or satisfying a comfort food craving on a budget. A dash of garlic powder adds an optional flavor twist, while salt and black pepper round out the dish. Serve it steaming hot for a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal that’s big on flavor and light on expense. Budget-friendly, easy to make, and irresistibly cheesy—this dish has it all!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Garlic powder (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light golden and bubbly.
Step 3
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to ensure a smooth sauce. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, handful by handful, until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Step 7
Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with a pinch of extra shredded cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 987.9 grams (987.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2299 |
| Total Fat 110.20g | 141% |
| Saturated Fat 67.20g | 336% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.00g | |
| Cholesterol 352mg | 117% |
| Sodium 2971mg | 129% |
| Total Carbohydrate 218.00g | 79% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.70g | 31% |
| Total Sugars 32.10g | |
| Protein 107.10g | 214% |
| Vitamin D 219IU | 1096% |
| Calcium 2238mg | 172% |
| Iron 9mg | 50% |
| Potassium 798mg | 17% |
Source of Calories