Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Name: Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Create creamy, cheesy perfection in just minutes with this Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Ideal for busy weeknights, this comforting dish combines tender pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that will please kids and adults alike. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it's the ultimate classic comfort food for your family gatherings or casual dinners.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-20T07:59:46.393Z

This Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese recipe is not just a meal; it's a memory maker. Whether you're cooking for kids or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish brings everyone together with its creamy goodness.

The Comfort of Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese has long been hailed as the ultimate comfort food. Its creamy, cheesy goodness evokes warm memories of childhood and cozy family dinners. This Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese recipe brilliantly captures the rich flavor and texture that make this dish so beloved. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick meal or a college student needing a late-night snack, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite.

The beauty of macaroni and cheese lies in its versatility. While the classic version is undeniably delicious, you can easily customize it by adding extra ingredients. Consider throwing in some cooked broccoli or diced ham for added nutrition and flavor. Alternatively, try experimenting with different types of cheeses, such as gouda or mozzarella, to give your mac and cheese a unique twist.

Prep in Minutes

Life can get hectic, and cooking often takes a backseat to our busy schedules. That's where this Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese recipe shines. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Perfect for those busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your family.

The quick cook time doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality. You'll still get that rich, creamy texture that everyone craves. By eliminating unnecessary cooking methods like baking, you achieve the same level of comfort food enjoyment in a fraction of the time. This makes it not only ideal for family dinners but also for spontaneous lunch cravings.

Making Family Memories

Gathering around the dinner table is a tradition that brings families closer together. With the smell of homemade macaroni and cheese wafting through the house, it’s hard not to feel a sense of warmth and togetherness. Sharing meals like this Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese recipe helps create lasting memories. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the flavors that only come from homemade cooking.

Encouraging your children to get involved in the cooking process not only teaches them valuable skills but also makes mealtime more engaging. Allow them to help mix the cheese sauce or stir the pasta! This sense of participation fosters a connection between family members while instilling a love for cooking at an early age. It’s these little moments that turn everyday dinners into cherished family traditions.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready before starting your cooking process!

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook until the sauce thickens.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Then, return the drained pasta to the pot and mix until evenly coated.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy macaroni and cheese!

This dish is best served hot and fresh!

Storing and Reheating

Leftover macaroni and cheese can be a comforting treat for lunch or dinner later in the week. To store, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, you might want to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

Freezing is another option if you want to prepare a larger batch. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned. This makes it a convenient meal option for busy days ahead.

Pairing Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with your Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese? This dish pairs beautifully with a range of sides to create a well-rounded meal. A fresh green salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the mac and cheese, providing a refreshing contrast. You could also consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, which add a delightful crunch and nutritional boost.

For those who enjoy a heartier meal, grilled chicken or meatloaf can make great companions as well. The flavors of these proteins meld wonderfully with the creamy pasta. Finally, don’t forget a glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade to complete your comforting dinner experience!

Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese

For the ultimate creamy mac and cheese, it’s important to select high-quality ingredients. Choosing a good brand of cheddar cheese can make all the difference in flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, so whenever possible, opt to shred your cheese just before adding it to the sauce.

Additionally, don't rush the cooking of the cheese sauce. Letting it thicken properly enhances the overall texture of the dish. If you find your cheese sauce is too thick, don't hesitate to add a little more milk as you mix in the cooked pasta, achieving that perfect creaminess that everyone loves.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for the roux.