I'm Broke Mac and Cheese
Discover comfort food on a budget with "I'm Broke Mac and Cheese," the ultimate recipe for creamy, homemade mac and cheese that won’t break the bank. This simple yet satisfying dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce made from pantry staples like butter, milk, and all-purpose flour. Perfect for pinching pennies, it uses affordable, versatile ingredients—like any cheese you have on hand—for a customizable meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re short on cash or time, this quick, one-pot wonder delivers effortless, cheesy goodness every time. Ideal for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends, it’s a frugal foodie’s dream and a staple for comfort-food cravings!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 2 tablespoons Butter or margarine
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk (any kind)
- 1.5 cups Grated cheese (cheddar or any affordable option)
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Garlic powder (optional)
- 8 cups Water
Directions
Step 1
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
Step 2
Add the 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, start making the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine over medium heat.
Step 4
Once the butter has melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (this is your roux).
Step 5
Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the roux, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1.5 cups of grated cheese a little at a time, allowing it to melt completely before adding more. Reserve a small handful of cheese for topping, if desired.
Step 7
Add 0.5 teaspoons of salt, 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoons of garlic powder (if using) to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.
Step 8
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and mix until fully coated.
Step 9
If desired, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top and serve immediately. Enjoy your budget-friendly, creamy mac and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2847.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1999.9 |
| Total Fat 90.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 57.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 282.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2529.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 210.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 30.1g | |
| Protein 90.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 294.3IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1983.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1156.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories