Ingredients and Weight:
- Macaroni - 400 grams
- Cheddar Cheese - 200 grams, shredded
- Fresh Cream - 100 ml
- Milk - 500 ml
- Butter - 50 grams
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Ground Beef (optional) - 200 grams, cooked and crumbled
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, then drain.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the shredded cheese until smooth.
- Add the milk and fresh cream and bring to a gentle boil. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir well.
- If using ground beef, mix it into the macaroni and cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and top with additional shredded cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (optional).
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (based on ingredients listed)
- Fat: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 38 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich in texture, with a robust cheese flavor.
- Can be customized with the addition of ground beef for a heartier dish.
- Family-friendly and easy to prepare dish that is enjoyed by both children and adults.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The macaroni was cooked perfectly and the cheese sauce was so creamy and flavorful."
- "Added ground beef to this dish and it was a hit! Great dish for a family meal."
- "This is a great comfort food dish. The macaroni and cheese were both creamy and delicious."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni until tender but not overcooked to maintain its texture.
- Use full-fat milk and fresh cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Shred the cheese for a smoother cheese sauce texture.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
