Albert Lea Estate Sale Baked Macaroni

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting one-pot macaroni with sharp cheddar and a touch of smoked paprika, evoking vintage kitchen finds. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs Elbow macaroni, Butter, All-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz elbow macaroni, and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to eliminate raw flour taste.
  3. Step 3: Gradually pour in 2 cups warm milk while whisking continuously until mixture thickens into a smooth béchamel sauce, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until cheese melts and sauce is glossy.
  4. Step 4: Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a large bowl, then transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Albert Lea Estate Sale Baked Macaroni take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Albert Lea Estate Sale Baked Macaroni?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Albert Lea Estate Sale Baked Macaroni?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Albert Lea Estate Sale Baked Macaroni for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Albert Lea Estate Sale Baked Macaroni?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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