Homemade Mac & Cheese Casserole Recipe

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This homemade mac and cheese recipe is all at once simple and versatile. Add veggies (like carrots or cauliflower) for added nutrition, or stick to the basic recipe here for comfort food at its very best.

This bubbling hot mac & cheese includes shredded carrots, adding sweetness, texture and yes, a little extra beta carotene.
Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Things You'll Need

  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni (plain, whole-wheat, gluten-free or vegetable-infused)

  • 3 cups grated cheddar cheese

  • 6 tablespoons butter

  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder (or 1 teaspoon regular mustard)

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

  • Optional: 2 cups grated carrots or finely chopped cauliflower

This two-step process is still simple enough for any beginner cook.
Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Cook the Pasta

The first step is cooking your pasta. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then cook according to package instructions minus 2 minutes.

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If you're adding carrots or cauliflower, throw them in with the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking time.

Adding veggies? Add them in right before you finish cooking the pasta.
Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Combine the Ingredients

Drain and combine all the ingredients -- except the parmesan cheese.

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Use any kind of pasta: plain, whole-wheat, gluten-free or vegetable-infused.
Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com
Once the water is drained, pour the hot pasta back into the pan so the butter and cheese will melt.
Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Tip

Don't skip the mustard! This is the secret ingredient that brings out all the flavor in our homemade mac and cheese.

Bake the Casserole

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Meanwhile, grease a casserole pan with butter and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

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Once the cheese, butter, milk and spices have started to melt and combine, pour the entire pan into your prepared casserole dish.

Tip: A flatter pan like this one will cook faster than one that's deeper.
Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Just before placing in the oven, grate the parmesan cheese over the top.

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Place your casserole dish on a baking sheet so any bubbling cheese sauce doesn't burn in the oven.
Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

Bake for 25 minutes in a shallow pan (like this one pictured), and up to 35 for deeper designs. Once the cheese is bubbling and the top is just starting to brown it's done. Allow to set and cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

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Tip: If prepping ahead of time, cover with foil and reheat at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com

More Great Casserole Ideas

For more easy-to-make casseroles, check out some of these delicious dishes:

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Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews

Spicy, Juicy, Gooey Southwest Chicken Casserole

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Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews

Easy to Make Taco Casserole

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Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews

Chile Relleno Casserole

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews

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