Easy No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese

I found this recipe in a doctor's office. It is great for a weeknight meal as you don't need to boil the pasta first; instead, you just basically toss the ingredients together and then bake in the oven. I really enjoyed the dish when it came out of the oven, but I was less enthusiastic about the leftovers (yet I hate leftovers anyway).

Easy No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese
Easy No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese

I found this recipe in a doctor's office. It is great for a weeknight meal as you don't need to boil the pasta first; instead, you just basically toss the ingredients together and then bake in the oven. I really enjoyed the dish when it came out of the oven, but I was less enthusiastic about the leftovers (yet I hate leftovers anyway).

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 6
  • Carbohydrate 8.10986068527591 g
  • Cholesterol 100.551562486252 mg
  • Fat 32.8275895097626 g
  • Fiber 0.0117777777777778 g
  • Protein 21.6511635351597 g
  • Saturated Fat 20.5490730533344 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving(s) (233g)
  • Sodium 514.739555491924 mg
  • Sugar 8.09808290749813 g
  • Trans Fat 2.13954534662805 g
  • Calories 413 calories

Step-by-step

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place butter in a 9x13 dish. Place in hot oven until butter melts.
  • Remove; tilt to swirl butter and coat bottom and slightly up sides.
  • Add dry macaroni and stir to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and stir to mix.
  • Pour milk over evenly. DO NOT STIR!
  • Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
Easy No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese: A Weeknight Winner

Easy No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic scramble to get something nutritious and satisfying on the table before bedtime stories begin. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor. And let me tell you, this No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a true game-changer.

I discovered this gem tucked away in a doctor's office waiting room – of all places! I initially scoffed at the idea of skipping the boiling step, a culinary sacred cow in my book. But desperate times (and a rumbling stomach) called for desperate measures. To my surprise, it worked! It was incredibly easy, requiring minimal prep time and only one pan to clean, a major bonus for a weary cook.

The method is deceptively simple. You essentially toss everything together – butter, macaroni, cheese, and milk – in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. No pre-boiling, no draining, no fuss. The result is a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. The macaroni becomes perfectly tender during the baking process, absorbing all the cheesy goodness. The top gets gloriously browned and bubbly, while the bottom layer remains delightfully creamy.

While I absolutely devoured this macaroni and cheese the night I made it, I have to admit, the leftovers weren’t quite as impressive. The texture changed slightly, becoming a bit denser. Not that I’m complaining; leftovers are a rare treat in my household! The kids usually gobble everything up before there’s a chance for leftovers.

This recipe is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal. I've found myself making it repeatedly, tweaking it to fit my family's preferences. Sometimes I add a pinch of garlic powder or some diced ham for extra flavor. The kids love it with a sprinkle of paprika on top. It's surprisingly versatile, and the ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe when I'm short on time but still want something comforting and delicious. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze; it's all done in a single dish, which is an enormous advantage after a long day!

So, if you're looking for a simple, flavorful, and time-saving mac and cheese recipe, give this one a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. This easy no-boil recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights, proving that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups uncooked large macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 quart milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper