Name: Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow pasta (Source: 8 ounces elbow pasta); 3 tablespoons butter (Source: 3 tablespoons butter); 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (Source: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour); 1 teaspoon all purpose seasoning (like Lawry's Seasoned Salt) (Source: 1 teaspoon all purpose seasoning (like Lawry's Seasoned Salt)); ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard (Source: ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard); As Needed black pepper (Source seasoning: freshly ground black pepper (to taste)); 2 cups 2% milk ((warmed for 1 minute in microwave)) (Source: 2 cups 2% milk ((warmed for 1 minute in microwave))); 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ( (or a mixture of a variety of cheeses)) (Source: 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ( (or a mixture of a variety of cheeses))); 4 ounces Velveeta (cut into about 8 pieces (it makes it easier to melt)) (Source: 4 ounces Velveeta (cut into about 8 pieces (it makes it easier to melt))); ¼ cup Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs (Source: ¼ cup Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (Source: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley)

Get to know the ingredients

elbow pasta

In the method: Add the pasta and boil for 5 minutes.

all purpose seasoning (like Lawry's Seasoned Salt)

In the method: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

dry ground mustard

In the method: Add the all-purpose seasoning, ground mustard, and pepper.

Let’s make it

Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.

Servings

Original recipe: Serves 6. Original quantities shown.

Estimating…

Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.

How to make it

0 of 7 steps complete

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and boil for 5 minutes. Transfer the partially cooked pasta to a colander to drain.
Add the butter to the dry, warm pot and place it over MEDIUM heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour, and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes to form a roux. Add the all-purpose seasoning, ground mustard, and pepper. Slowly add the milk, whisking well as you add it. Cook and stir until bubbly and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the cheddar and Velveeta (or your cheese of choice). Cook, stirring constantly, until melted.
Add the partially cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Bring to a low boil then reduce the heat to LOW, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cheese sauce has reduced a bit.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish.
Place the bread crumbs in a small nonstick skillet and place over MEDIUM LOW heat. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until lightly browned and toasted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the parsley. Toss to combine and then sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese before serving.

Make room for Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Toss to combine and then sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese before serving.

A little more help as you go

Stir as directed

Stay with the pan for the frequent stirring called for in the method.

Prepare the sauce additions

Have the sauce liquid ready for the addition described in the method.

Prepare for the next step

Have the next addition ready when the mixture reaches the boil described.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the pot and skillet. Start with this step: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Follow the instruction to take the pan off the heat before the finishing addition.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until lightly browned and toasted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Stay with the pan for the frequent stirring called for in the method.

Additional recipe notes

Leftovers reheat really well in the microwave. If needed, add a splash of milk to make it creamier when reheating.

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

1. Check the off-heat addition

2. Prepare the thickener

3. Check when to cover