Hearty Mac N Cheese From The Crows Nest Inn Food

OAMC HEARTY MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
• Saute ham and onion in a large non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 5 minutes; stir in peas and next 3 ingredients. Set aside.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
• Whisk in flour until smooth.
• Add milk, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Remove from heat.
• Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese, stirring until melted.
• Stir in cooked pasta and ham mixture.
• Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Serve immediately.

HEARTY MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9 X 13 baking pan with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until the squash is fully defrosted. Turn the heat up and cook until almost simmering. Add the ricotta cheese. Use an immersion blender to make sure the squash, milk and cheese is nice and smooth (this isn't necessary, but it helped the consistency).
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Cheddar, Monterey Jack, salt, mustard and cayenne. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan and olive oil. Sprinkle over the top of the mac & cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Then broil for 3 minutes to crisp-up the top.

HEARTY MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions; set cheese packet aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain., Add the soup, water, ketchup, mustard and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4 minutes., Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture. Add the corn, cheese, contents of reserved cheese packet, butter and milk. Cook and stir until cheese and butter are melted.

LAYERED MAC 'N CHEESE WITH GROUND BEEF

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray 2 quart casserole with cooking spray.
• Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
• Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook beef and garlic, 1/2 t of the salt and 1/4 t pepper over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain, if desired.
• In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Stir in flour, cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until bubbly.
• Stir in milk, cook 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens slightly.
• Stir remaining 1/2 t salt, the nutmeg and cayenne.
• Remove from heat; stir in cheese.
• Fold in macaroni.
• Spoon 1/3 of the macaroni mixture (about 1 1/3 cups) into casserole; top with half of the beef (about 1 1/2 cups).
• Layer with another 1/3 of the macaroni mixture, remaining beef and remaining macaroni mixture.
• Top with bread crumbs.
• Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes or until bread crumbs are golden brown.