When it comes to comfort food, few things beat the classic allure of Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. This beloved dish, with its rich and creamy texture, is a timeless favorite that warms both hearts and stomachs. Let’s embark on a delightful journey as we explore an easy-to-follow recipe that brings the goodness of homemade mac and cheese to your table.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• 2 cans (370 mL/12 oz each) evaporated milk

• 1/3 cup milk of your choice

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

Prepare the Macaroni:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Add a pinch of salt and the elbow macaroni, cooking until they reach that perfect “al dente” texture.
• Once ready, drain the macaroni and return them to the pot.

Add the Butter:

• Stir in 4 tablespoons of salted butter, letting it melt and coat the macaroni deliciously. Set aside.

Create the Creamy Mix:

• In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, your milk of choice, eggs, and a touch of garlic salt. Mix until everything comes together in a creamy blend.

Prepare the Cheesy Layers:

• In a separate bowl, mix the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The combination of these two cheeses will bring a perfect balance of flavor and gooey texture.

Preheat and Layer:

• Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F.
• Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent any cheesy sticking.

Build Your Mac and Cheese:

• Begin with a layer of 1/3 of the macaroni, followed by 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat until you’ve used up all your macaroni and cheese, creating a delightful layered masterpiece.

Pour and Sprinkle:

• Pour the prepared milk mixture evenly over the layered mac and cheese.
• Sprinkle a touch of paprika on top to add a hint of warmth and color.

Bake to Perfection:

• Pop your creation into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the cheese is irresistibly gooey.

Enjoy the Comfort:

• Once baked to perfection, take a moment to appreciate the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.
• Serve yourself a generous portion and savor each bite of this comforting classic.

In conclusion, with just a handful of simple steps and a touch of love, you can bring the nostalgic joy of Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese straight to your dining table. Enjoy the creamy goodness and share the love with family and friends—because some things are just better when shared.

Bonus Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

There’s nothing quite like the savory aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through your kitchen, especially when it involves classic comfort food. In this easy-to-follow recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating mouthwatering Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. Gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary journey that promises both simplicity and deliciousness.

Ingredients:

For the Patties:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Gravy:

• 1 small onion, sliced
• 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 package brown gravy mix
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:

1. Begin by mixing all the patty ingredients together and forming small patties approximately 3/4 inch thick.
2. Create a cozy bed of sliced onions and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
3. In a skillet, brown the steak patties on both sides. For an extra burst of flavor, we recommend this step, although you can place the raw patties directly into the slow cooker if you’re pressed for time.
4. Place the browned patties on top of the onions and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
5. Mix all the remaining ingredients (except cornstarch) to create a delectable sauce, then pour it over the meat and vegetables. Cover and let it simmer on low for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
6. After 5 hours, remove the patties. Turn the slow cooker to high, whisk in the cornstarch, and let the magic happen as the sauce thickens.
7. Return the patties to the slow cooker, allowing them to soak up the rich sauce before serving.

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Calories per Serving: 520 kcal (Servings: 4)

Indulge in this culinary creation that marries simplicity with incredible taste. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings the heart of your kitchen to life. Enjoy!