Have you ever looked into your pantry and seen that box of elbow macaroni staring back at you. I know how that feels. You want something yummy but you do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. Well, I have some great news for you. Macaroni is pretty much the king of easy meals. It is cheap, it stays fresh for a long time, and kids absolutely love it.
In this guide, I am going to share my favorite ways to turn those little noodles into a feast. Whether you are a busy parent or just someone who wants a cozy meal, these ideas are for you. We will look at things like one pot creamy macaroni recipes and healthy veggie mac for kids. Trust me, you are about to find out that macaroni is way more than just a side dish.
Why We All Love Macaroni
Personally, I think macaroni is the best pasta shape ever made. Because it is small and hollow, it holds onto sauces really well. When you take a bite, the sauce is actually inside the noodle. That is the secret to a perfect bite.
Plus, it cooks very fast. Most of the time, it only takes about 7 to 8 minutes in boiling water. If you are hungry right now, that is exactly what you want to hear. I’ve been there, standing in the kitchen at 6 PM with a hungry family. Macaroni has saved me more times than I can count.
The Classic Homemade Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Let’s dive in with the big one. Everyone loves mac and cheese. You could buy the box with the powder, but making it from scratch is actually very simple. Plus, it tastes a lot better.
What You Will Need
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2 cups of macaroni noodles
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2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (I suggest sharp cheddar for more flavor)
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1 cup of milk
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2 tablespoons of butter
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A little bit of salt and pepper
Here Is How To Make It
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Fill a big pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
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Add your noodles. Cook them until they are soft but still a little bit chewy.
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Drain the water out. Put the noodles back in the warm pot.
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Turn the heat to low. Add the butter and milk. Stir it until the butter melts.
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Now, the fun part. Sprinkle in the cheese. Keep stirring until it looks like a golden, gooey blanket over your noodles.
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If it is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk.
There you have it. Simple as that. This is a quick dinner with elbow pasta that never fails.
Beefy Taco Macaroni Skillet
If you want something more filling, you might want to try a taco version. This is kind of like a cheeseburger macaroni but with a Mexican twist. It is a kid friendly pasta meal that adults will actually enjoy too.
What You Will Need
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1 pound of ground beef
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2 cups of macaroni
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1 packet of taco seasoning
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1 cup of water
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1 cup of salsa
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A handful of shredded cheese
Here Is How To Make It
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In a large pan, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain the extra fat into a can.
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Stir in the taco seasoning and the salsa.
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In a separate pot, cook your macaroni noodles and drain them.
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Add the noodles into the beef pan.
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Pour in a little water if it looks dry.
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Top it with cheese and put a lid on the pan for two minutes so the cheese melts.
I feel like this is the perfect Tuesday night meal. It is fast, and you only have to wash a couple of dishes.
Healthy Garden Macaroni Salad
Sometimes you want something cold and fresh. Maybe you are having a picnic or just want a light lunch. Believe it or not, macaroni makes a great salad. This is a low cost macaroni meal idea that lasts for days in the fridge.
What You Will Need
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3 cups of cooked macaroni (make sure it is cold)
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Half a cup of mayonnaise
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A little bit of mustard
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Small pieces of cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers
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A tiny bit of sugar (just a pinch)
Here Is How To Make It
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Grab a large bowl.
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Mix the mayo, mustard, and that tiny pinch of sugar together.
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Add your cold noodles.
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Toss in all those colorful veggies.
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Mix it all up until everything is coated.
One tip is to let it sit in the fridge for an hour before you eat it. This helps the flavors get to know each other. It is really refreshing on a hot day.
Pizza Style Macaroni Bake
What if you could combine two of the best foods in the world. Pizza and pasta. Well, you can. This is what I call a budget friendly macaroni bake.
Here Is What You Can Do
Cook your macaroni noodles and drain them. Mix them with some red pasta sauce and a little bit of pepperoni slices. Put the whole mix into a baking dish. Cover the top with a lot of mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes.
When you pull it out, the cheese will be bubbly and brown. It looks and tastes like a deep dish pizza. Your kids will think you are a kitchen wizard.
Tips For The Best Macaroni Ever
Before you start cooking, let me show you some small secrets that make a big difference.
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Don’t overcook the noodles. If you cook them too long, they get mushy. You want them “al dente” which is just a fancy word for firm.
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Save the pasta water. Before you drain the noodles, scoop out a small cup of the salty water. If your sauce is too thick later, add a splash of this water. It makes the sauce silky.
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Salt the water. You should always put salt in the boiling water. It is the only chance you have to season the actual noodle.
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Use different cheeses. Don’t just stick to cheddar. To be honest, a mix of mozzarella and parmesan is also amazing.
Making Macaroni Healthier
I know many people find it hard to get kids to eat veggies. I get it. But macaroni is the perfect place to hide some healthy stuff.
You could try mashing up some boiled cauliflower and mixing it right into the cheese sauce. It is white, so the kids usually won’t even notice it is there. Also, you could use whole grain macaroni. It has more fiber and keeps you full longer.
Another idea is to add frozen peas to the boiling water during the last two minutes of cooking the pasta. It adds a pop of color and a bit of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze macaroni and cheese.
Yes, you totally can. Just make sure it is completely cool before you put it in a freezer bag. When you want to eat it, let it thaw and then heat it up in the oven with a little extra milk so it doesn’t get dry.
What is the best way to reheat macaroni.
The microwave can sometimes make pasta a bit oily. I suggest putting it in a small pot on the stove. Add a tablespoon of milk or water and stir it on low heat. It will come back to life and taste fresh again.
Can I use other shapes of pasta.
Of course. While we are talking about macaroni, you can use shells or penne for these recipes too. The cooking time might change by a minute or two, so be sure to check the box.
How do I stop the cheese from being clumpy.
The secret is to turn off the heat before you add the cheese. If the sauce is boiling, the cheese might separate and get oily or grainy. Just let the residual heat of the noodles melt the cheese slowly.
To Sum It All Up
Long story short, macaroni noodles are a total lifesaver. You can make them cheesy, beefy, or even fresh and cold. They are cheap, fast, and easy to find at any store.
Honestly, you do not need to be a professional chef to make a meal that everyone loves. Just follow these steps and have fun with it. Imagine the look on your family’s face when you serve a bubbly pizza mac or a creamy taco skillet.
So, what do you think. Which one are you going to try first. Anyway, no matter which one you choose, it is going to be great. Don’t stress about making it perfect. Cooking is all about trying new things and enjoying the process.
Now that you have all these ideas, it is time to get into the kitchen. Go check your pantry right now. I bet you have a box of macaroni just waiting to be turned into something delicious.