Are you looking for the perfect comfort food recipe that will satisfy your craving? Look no further! This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe is a classic favorite that will surely hit the spot. With its rich and cheesy goodness, it’s no wonder this dish is adored by both young and old alike.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dry elbow macaroni pasta
• ½ cup of salted butter
• ½ cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of milk, at room temperature (2% or whole milk will work well)
• 2 cups of half-and-half, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 12 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese, at room temperature
• 3 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of dry mustard
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• A pinch of nutmeg

How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package suggests for al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. While the pasta is boiling, melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half, bringing it to a boil over medium heat while whisking constantly. Remove from heat.
5. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Velveeta cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups) to the pot. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Then, stir in the salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pot and stir to coat it evenly.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar cheese on top.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
9. For a crispier and browner top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-5 minutes.

Now it’s time to indulge in the creamy goodness of this baked mac and cheese! The combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese creates a velvety smooth texture that will melt in your mouth. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish and enjoy the simple pleasure of comfort food at its best!

Bonus Recipe: Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that will satisfy your taste buds without compromising your keto diet, look no further than Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers. This mouthwatering recipe combines the flavors of ground beef, spices, and colorful bell peppers for a wholesome and filling meal.

Ingredients

To make these keto-friendly stuffed peppers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized bell peppers (any color you prefer)
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/2 cup of diced onions
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado

Instructions

Here’s how to prepare these delightful Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil and set aside.
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them thoroughly and place them upright in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté them until they become fragrant and translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
6. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper, filling them to the top.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers, covering them completely.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado.
10. Serve the Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers hot and enjoy this keto-friendly Mexican delight!

Customize Your Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

Feel free to get creative and customize your Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers to suit your preferences. You can add ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or black olives to the beef mixture for some extra flavor. Furthermore, you can experiment with different types of cheese or even substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

So, gather your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful and healthy meal. These Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning taste buds, all while keeping you on track with your keto lifestyle.