Ingredients and Weight:
- Macaroni - 400 grams (about 14 oz)
- Cheddar Cheese - 2 cups, shredded or grated
- Cream Cheese - 1 block (about 8 oz)
- Full-fat milk - 1 cup
- Ground Beef or Chicken - 1 lb, cooked and diced (for extra flavor)
- Salt, Black Pepper, and any preferred seasoning - to taste
- Butter - 2 tbsp
- Carrot, diced - 1 small to medium (optional)
- Onion, diced - 1 small (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Boil water in a large pot and add macaroni. Cook until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, cook the ground beef or chicken until fully cooked and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the diced carrot and onion (if using) and cook until softened.
- Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Pour the milk into the cheese mixture and continue stirring until smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and diced meat to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a golden brown crust.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving - based on 8 servings)
Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving (depending on added ingredients)
Fat: 35-45g
Carbohydrates: 45-55g
Protein: 25-30g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Comfort food with a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
- Perfect for a family dinner or potluck gatherings.
- Macaroni is coated with a layer of delicious cheese and meat mixture.
- The dish has a golden brown crust on top that is both appetizing and delicious.
User Comments:
- "This dish was a hit at my family gathering! Everyone loved it." - John Doe
- "The cheese sauce was so creamy and delicious! This will be a new family favorite." - Jane Smith
- "Added some diced ham for extra flavor, turned out great!" - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use full-fat milk and cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste. Add more salt or seasoning if needed.
- If you want to add vegetables, consider using bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make sure to cook the ground meat thoroughly before adding it to the dish to ensure safety.
