Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite mac and cheese recipes with you! If you love warm, cheesy comfort food, you are in for a real treat. I’ve gathered three fantastic mac and cheese options, from creamy baked versions to a quick one-pot meal, so you can easily find your next go-to recipe.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese
- 2. Paula Deens Mac And Cheese
- 3. One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
Joanna Gaines Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese – A Creamy Baked Favorite
This recipe brings you a super creamy, baked mac and cheese inspired by Joanna Gaines. The cream cheese adds an extra smooth texture you will truly love.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Cream Cheese Secret: Adding cream cheese makes the sauce incredibly smooth and rich, giving it a luxurious feel.
- Baking for a Golden Top: A quick bake in the oven helps the cheese sauce set and gives you a lovely, golden-brown crust.
What You Need for Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
⏱️ Time: 50 mins🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make Joanna Gaines Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook Pasta & Make Sauce Base
Cook your macaroni according to the package directions until it’s al dente, then drain it well. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for one minute, then slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Step 2: Add Cheeses and Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until it’s fully coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.
📝 Final Note
For an even crispier top, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese or breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese before baking.
Paula Deens Mac And Cheese – Rich and Homestyle Classic
Get ready for a classic, comforting mac and cheese recipe known for its rich, buttery flavor. This is the ultimate Southern comfort food that truly hits the spot.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese
- Plenty of Butter: Butter is a key part of this recipe for that signature rich, comforting taste. Don’t hold back on it!
- Egg Addition: A whisked egg helps bind the sauce together and makes it extra creamy and stable when baked.
What You Need for Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
⏱️ Time: 60 mins🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook Macaroni
Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it very well and set it aside in a large bowl. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Mixture
In a separate medium bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, half-and-half, and the beaten egg. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Layer half of the cooked macaroni in your greased baking dish, then top it evenly with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining macaroni and cheese. Pour the prepared wet mixture evenly over the top of the layers. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
For the best taste and melt, always use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded options.
One Pot Chili Mac And Cheese – Easy Weeknight Dinner
This simple one-pot recipe combines hearty chili with cheesy macaroni for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want minimal cleanup.
Key Ingredients & Tips for One Pot Chili Mac
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish from being too greasy. Ground turkey also works well if you prefer.
- One-Pot Method: The best part is cooking everything in a single pot, which means much fewer dishes to wash after dinner!
What You Need for One Pot Chili Mac
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
⏱️ Time: 35 mins🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook Meat & Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft.
Step 2: Add Liquids & Spices
Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed and drained kidney beans, beef broth, uncooked elbow macaroni, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook Until Tender & Finish
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and creamy.
📝 Final Note
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions makes a wonderful fresh topping for this hearty dish.
