Comforting Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
A creamy, cheesy macaroni casserole with crispy breadcrumbs on top, ideal for family dinners or comfort food cravings. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese (grated), milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (freshly grated)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 1 lb elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth roux.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni in the dish.
- Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Comforting Macaroni and Cheese Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Comforting Macaroni 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 Comforting Macaroni 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 Comforting Macaroni 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 Comforting Macaroni and Cheese Casserole?
American pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
