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Mac and Cheese Family Dinner

Nothing says comfort food quite like a big pot of creamy, homemade mac and cheese! This from-scratch version is just as easy as the box but tastes a million times better, and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now. Pair it with a simple veggie side and you've got a complete meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2½ cups milk
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 bag 12 oz frozen broccoli florets

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare frozen broccoli according to package directions (microwave or stovetop).
  3. In the same pot you cooked the pasta in, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until completely melted. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  6. Add cooked macaroni back to the pot and stir until everything is coated in cheese sauce.
  7. Serve hot with broccoli on the side (or stir some right into the mac and cheese if your kids will go for it!).