What could be easier than ONE POT Macaroni and Cheese. Not only is clean up easy but you can prepare this in TEN MINUTES. No one will ever guess the healthy addition to this easy macaroni and cheese recipe.
I think most people consider Macaroni and Cheese to be the all time comfort food. After all, what can be more comforting than gooey cheese. Some of my favorite recipes for this take a couple of steps and can be a little complicated, like Macaroni and Cheese, and Gourmet Mac and Cheese. But this version is more traditional with just the basics, cheese and pasta and one unusual ingredient, COTTAGE CHEESE. The big difference between this version and others is that you don’t make a béchamel sauce. What you get is cheesy macaroni which is to die for.
I’ve saved the BEST for last, you don’t cook the pasta, you just add it uncooked to the milk mixture and it cooks while it’s baking. This makes it even easier than the boxed version.
How do you make ONE POT Macaroni and Cheese
To begin with it helps if you have a food processor but a blender will work. You need to combine the cottage cheese with the milk and seasonings. If you don’t have one, this will still work, it just may not be quite as smooth. So if you’re in your tiny apartment and don’t have room for a food processor, just dump everything in a casserole dish or a heavy duty aluminum disposable pan that can go in the oven. My favorite dish for making this in is a Staub 2.75 quart round dutch oven. Next, add all but 1/4 cup of the cheese and combine then add the UNCOOKED pasta. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then remove, STIR and add the remaining cheese, uncover and bake for 30 more minutes. For my cheese combination, I used a mild and a sharp cheddar, it gives it a great traditional taste. This does have to cook for about an hour but the prep time is minimal and your house/apartment will smell wonderful.
This is a great dish to serve with almost any meal but is also an easy dish to take to a potluck or holiday meal. Kids and adults will love the creamy cheddar taste.
Looking for some other ONE POT meals
If you make One Pot Macaroni and Cheese be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! I would love to see your creation.
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One Pot Macaroni and Cheese
What could be easier than One Pot Macaroni and Cheese. Not only is clean up easy but you can prepare this in TEN MINUTES. No one will ever guess the healthy addition to this recipe.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 423kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- pinch cayenne pepper
- freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese grated
- 8 ounces elbow pasta uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º. Butter a baking 9 inch round or square baking dish.
- In a food processor or blender, mix together 1 tablespoon butter, cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg, salt and pepper until well blended. Once blended, add all but 1/4 cup cheese and blend just a bit more.
- Pour into a large bowl and add uncooked pasta. Combine and pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and stir, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don't forget to stir this half way through.
Nutrition
Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 646mg | Potassium: 227mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 791IU | Calcium: 505mg | Iron: 1mg
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