Best 9 Skillet Mac Cheese Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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Skillet mac and cheese is a dish of macaroni pasta cooked in a rich cheese sauce, often with additional ingredients such as cooked meat, vegetables, or breadcrumbs. It is a popular comfort food in many cuisines around the world and can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. Skillet mac and cheese is a great option for busy weeknights or a hearty weekend meal. With countless recipes available, it can be challenging to find the best recipe for your taste. Whether you prefer a classic version or one with a creative twist, this article will help you discover the perfect skillet mac and cheese recipe for your next meal.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SKILLET MACARONI AND CHEESE



Skillet Macaroni and Cheese image

Comforting and crave-worthy, macaroni and cheese is hard to improve. But we think we've done it with our Skillet Macaroni and Cheese. Try this one-pot version, and four tempting variations: Mushroom-Fontina Mac, Jalapeno Mac, Bacon Mac, and Primavera Mac.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 small yellow onion, diced small
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
6 cups 2-percent milk
3/4 pound elbow macaroni
3 cups grated sharp white cheddar
1 cup grated Gruyere
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Heat broiler. In a large straight-sided, oven-safe skillet, melt butter. Remove 1 tablespoon butter and combine with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
  • Add onion to skillet and cook until softened. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Very gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Add macaroni and cook, stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pan, until tender, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in remaining cheese and the mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Top with breadcrumb mixture and broil until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 621 g, Fat 32 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 18 g

CREAMY STOVETOP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese image

No need for a flour-and-butter roux in this easy stovetop version of an old favorite: The cream cheese adds body and richness. If your mac and cheese gets a little stiff as it cools, just stir in some warm water to smooth it out - it works like a charm!

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings (about 8 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
3 ounces Gruyere, shredded (about 1 cup)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
  • Heat the half-and-half and cayenne in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the macaroni to the saucepan and stir to combine. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Season to taste with salt if needed. Serve hot.

SKILLET MAC & CHEESE



Skillet Mac & Cheese image

This super creamy mac 'n' cheese is so simple it seems almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an adult who didn't love it too. -Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
3/4 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
Optional toppings: fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes and coarsely ground pepper

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain., Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted., Add macaroni; cook and stir until heated through. Top as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 600 calories, Fat 37g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 144mg cholesterol, Sodium 1185mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

CHEESEBURGER MACARONI SKILLET



Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet image

This is the ultimate simple and fulfilling dinner that uses items I typically have in my cupboard. It's so easy to prepare and cooking all in one skillet makes it a snap for clean up. -Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
8 ounces uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
3/4 cup fat-free milk
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Minced chives

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain., Stir in macaroni, broth, milk, ketchup, steak seasoning, mustard and onion powder; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Stir in cheese until melted. Sprinkle with chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 338 calories, Fat 11g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 611mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

QUICK SKILLET MACARONI AND CHEESE



Quick Skillet Macaroni and Cheese image

In the time it takes to make the boxed stuff, you can make this far superior version, cooked on the stove top and finished under the broiler. From "Noodles Express" Cookbook.

Provided by Raspberry Cordial

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 13m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup heavy cream (or up to 1 cup cream- use light cream if desired)
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated, divided (choose an aged cheese)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  • While the macaroni cooks, melt butter over medium heat in an oven safe skillet or saucepan.
  • Add onion and cook, stirring often until soft and golden.
  • Add flour and cook, stirring for 2 minutes until flour is combined and mixture is light brown.
  • Whisking constantly, add cream slowly until well mixed. Stir in pepper, salt, nutmeg and garlic. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring.
  • Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, a little at a time, until melted.
  • Stir in the macaroni to coat with sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and parsley on top.
  • Place skillet under broiler for 2 or 3 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

SKILLET MAC & CHEESE (MACARONI & CHEESE)



Skillet Mac & Cheese (Macaroni & Cheese) image

From Taste of Home Simple & Delicious Magazine, October 2008. Haven't tried this yet, but am posting for future reference. Author Ann Bowers wrote the following description "This is so simiple, it seems almost too easy! But you'll love it and fix it often. You could use salt and pepper to taste, but we don't feel it is necessary".

Provided by NELady

Categories     Cheese

Time 25m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
3/4 lb processed cheese, cubed (Velveeta)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to the package directions.
  • Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add cream; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat.
  • Stir in cheese until melted.
  • Drain macaroni, add to cheese mixture. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 657.1, Fat 38, SaturatedFat 23.5, Cholesterol 103.4, Sodium 1442.4, Carbohydrate 52.2, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 7.4, Protein 26.7

SKILLET MAC AND CHEESE



Skillet Mac and Cheese image

Serving mac and cheese in the skillet it's baked in amps up the homey comfort factor. The secret ingredient in this bread crumb-topped beauty is the finely chopped cauliflower that blends in subtly with the pasta. Using three different cheeses guarantees maximum flavor and meltability.

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups 1-inch-wide cauliflower florets
1 1/4 cups Light-and-Crisp Whole-Wheat Bread Crumbs (recipe below)
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 cups cold low-fat (1%) milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (5 ounces)
1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (1 ounce)
2 teaspoons mustard powder
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) whole-grain elbow macaroni, cooked for 3 minutes less than the package directions (about 3 cups cooked)
Nonstick cooking spray
4 slices whole wheat sandwich bread (about 1 ounce each)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Place the cauliflower into a steamer basket fitted over the pot, cover, and steam until just tender, about 5 minutes. Finely chop the steamed cauliflower.
  • In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and oil.
  • In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until the flour is dissolved. Whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, mustard powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chopped cauliflower and macaroni and stir until well coated.
  • Spray an ovenproof 10-inch high-sided skillet with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the prepared skillet. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake until the top is browned and the cheese is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Homemade bread crumbs are one of those "chef's secrets" ¿ important but often overlooked detail that can make a dish. These easy-to-make crumbs are flaky, mild, and versatile¿they don't have that heavy whole-wheat taste and dense texture that most store-bought brands have. Since bread crumbs are a comfort-food cornerstone used in everything from cutlet coatings to casserole toppings, it's key to have the best.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Place the bread in a food processor and process until fine crumbs form, 25 to 30 seconds. Place the crumbs on a baking sheet, spreading them evenly. Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Store the bread crumbs in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

CHEESY MACARONI-BEEF SKILLET



Cheesy Macaroni-Beef Skillet image

When dinnertime starts with ground beef and a box of mac and cheese, how can you go wrong? This cheesy skillet is destined to become a weeknight staple.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 can (14.5 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups water
1 pkg. (7-1/4 oz.) KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Steps:

  • Brown meat in large skillet; drain.
  • Stir in tomatoes and water; cover. Bring to boil. Stir in Macaroni and the Cheese Sauce Mix; simmer, covered, on medium-low heat 10 min. Stir.
  • Top with shredded cheese. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 min. or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 1.5 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Sodium 790 mg, Carbohydrate 27 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 24 g

EASY 2-STEP SKILLET MAC 'N CHEESE



Easy 2-Step Skillet Mac 'n Cheese image

Creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni never fail to please. Also pleasing: how quick they are to prepare in this easy skillet recipe.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 15m

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 cups water
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 pkg. (7.25 oz.) KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner

Steps:

  • Bring water, milk, butter and Cheese Sauce Mix to boil in medium skillet on medium-high heat.
  • Stir in Macaroni; cover. Simmer on low heat 10 min. or until macaroni is tender. Remove from heat. Let stand 2 min. before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, TransFat 2.5 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Sodium 700 mg, Carbohydrate 47 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, Protein 10 g

Tips:

  • Use a large skillet. This will give the macaroni and cheese plenty of room to cook evenly and prevent it from sticking.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it is combined with the cheese sauce.
  • Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help to prevent the sauce from being too thin and watery.
  • Use a good quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the macaroni and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
  • Add some extras. Feel free to add some extra ingredients to your macaroni and cheese, such as cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, or chopped vegetables. This will add flavor and texture to the dish.

Conclusion:

Skillet macaroni and cheese is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great dish to take to potlucks and parties. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and creamy macaroni and cheese that everyone will love.

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