Macaroni And Cheese Casserole

This quick and easy macaroni and cheese casserole is a comforting weeknight dinner solution. It combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, homemade-style cheese sauce made from milk, butter, and sharp cheddar. The dish is elevated with the addition of luncheon meat or ham, adding a savory depth to every bite. Topped with buttery, toasted breadcrumbs, it offers a delightful contrast between the creamy interior and the crunchy crust. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes using a microwave, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Cooking Method: Baking, Microwave

Cuisine: American

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Calories: 347.6

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This quick and easy macaroni and cheese casserole is a comforting weeknight dinner solution. It combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, homemade-style cheese sauce made from milk, butter, and sharp cheddar. The dish is elevated with the addition of luncheon meat or ham, adding a savory depth to every bite. Topped with buttery, toasted breadcrumbs, it offers a delightful contrast between the creamy interior and the crunchy crust. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes using a microwave, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

8 oz Elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
12 oz Luncheon meat, cut into 1/4-inch strips
3 teaspoon Butter or margarine
3 1/2 teaspoon Flour
3/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
2 teaspoon Dry mustard
3 cup Milk
1/2 pound Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
3 Tbsp Melted butter or margarine (for topping)
1/2 c Seasoned fine dry bread crumbs

Directions

1
In a deep, 2 1/2-quart, heat-resistant, non-metallic casserole dish, melt the butter or margarine in the microwave oven for 30 seconds.
2
Blend in the flour, salt, pepper, and dry mustard, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
3
Gradually stir in the milk until the sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
4
Heat the sauce, uncovered, in the microwave oven for 10 minutes or until it has thickened and is smooth.
5
Stir the sauce frequently during the last half of the cooking time to prevent skin formation.
6
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated.
7
Add the cooked macaroni and luncheon meat strips to the cheese sauce.
8
Stir until all ingredients are well blended and evenly coated.
9
In a small, heat-resistant, non-metallic bowl, combine the melted butter (for topping) and the seasoned dry bread crumbs.
10
Heat the breadcrumb mixture, uncovered, in the microwave oven for 3 minutes or until the bread crumbs are lightly browned.
11
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture.
12
Heat the casserole, uncovered, in the microwave oven for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 347.6kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23.3g36%
Saturated Fat 14.0g70%
Cholesterol 58.6mg20%
Sodium 4139.9mg173%
Total Carbohydrate 13.7g5%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
Sugars 9.4g
Protein 21.0g42%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Variation: You can substitute the canned luncheon meat with 2 1/2 cups of diced ham, tongue, turkey, other leftover meats, or different types of luncheon meat for a different flavor profile.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warm.

Tip: Ensure your casserole dish is microwave-safe and large enough to allow for the sauce to bubble without overflowing.

Keywords: macaroni, cheese, casserole, microwave, quick, easy, comfort food, cheddar, breadcrumb topping, luncheon meat, ham, dinner, family meal, creamy, breakfast, lunch, leftovers, american cuisine

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/macaroni-and-cheese-casserole/