Comfort Mac and Cheese Casserole

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

This American-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook 12 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 7-8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat, then whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly until a light roux forms.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder until melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated, then transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Toss 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Comfort Mac and Cheese Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Comfort Mac and Cheese Casserole?

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 Comfort Mac and Cheese Casserole?

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 Comfort Mac and Cheese Casserole 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 Comfort Mac and Cheese Casserole?

American comfort food 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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