Skillet Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Total Time
22 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Calories
542 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Skillet Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Description
This macaroni and cheese dish is made by simmering elbow macaroni in a mixture of water, evaporated milk, and salt until tender and the liquid reduces. A cornstarch slurry with mustard powder and hot sauce is added to thicken and flavor the sauce before stirring in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses off heat.
The cheeses melt slowly into the creamy base, creating a smooth, rich sauce that clings to the macaroni. Butter chunks add richness and gloss, and seasoning with salt and pepper finalizes the profile. The result is a comforting skillet meal with a balance of sharp cheddar and mild Monterey Jack cheeses.
This recipe serves immediately for best texture. Optional ham and peas can be added during thickening for a protein and vegetable boost, making it a more complete dish.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups water plus extra if needed
- 1 (12-ounce) (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni about 3 cups
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder dry
- ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (1 1/2 cups)
- 6 ounces Monterey jack cheese shredded (1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons butter cut into small chunks
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring 3 1/2 cups water, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, the macaroni, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has thickened, 9 to 12 minutes.
- Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk, the cornstarch, mustard and hot sauce together in a small bowl, then stir into the skillet. Continue to simmer slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
- Off the heat, stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack, one handful at a time, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce (I didn’t need any additional water when I made it). Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For variation, add diced deli-style baked ham and frozen peas with the cornstarch mixture to make a ham and pea macaroni dish.
- Adjust water quantity if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency during cooking.
- Serve immediately for best creamy texture as sauce thickens upon standing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 542 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 542kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 630mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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