Slow Cooker Macaroni and Creamy Cheddar Cheese

If you are like me I don't particularly care for boxed mac & cheese. They are super handy and I do serve them once in awhile when I am in a hurry. But check this recipe out, in the crock-pot. Smells like creamy goodness. 

Cooking spray

8 ounces cooked elbow macaroni

One 12-ounce can evaporated milk

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/4 cup (1/2 stick ) of butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

Dash of pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

Two 10-ounce bricks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 5 cups)

Dash of paprika

In a large 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, mix the macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Turn off the slow cooker, stir the mixture and serve hot.

Cook's Note: If you don't have a slow cooker, grease a 9-by-13-by-2-inch pan with butter, add the mixture and bake at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes.

Recipe adapted from Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood (c) Clarkson Potter 2010

Yum

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

 

A family-friendly dinner. Easy and can be ready within an hour. 

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta

1 pound rigatoni pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

1 large or 2 small heads broccoli, chopped into small florets

1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped

One 25-ounce jar marinara sauce

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

For the topping: Add the ricotta, basil, and salt to a small bowl. Stir together with a rubber spatula. Set aside.

For the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Season well with salt and cook the rigatoni for 5 minutes. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

Meanwhile, heat a large braiser or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sausage to the pan. Cook, stirring often and breaking apart the meat with the back of a spoon, until beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the broccoli and garlic and cook to marry the flavors, about 3 minutes. Stir in the marinara and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully combined. Add the pasta to the pan and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Toss well to coat. Add the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce slightly.

Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the top. Nestle the ricotta mixture into the pasta and cover with some of the pasta. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Credit Giada De Laurentiis 

Yum

Southern-Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy goodness. You pick the cheese.

1 (7 oz.) package or 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

8 oz. (2 cups) shredded sharp Cheddar or Swiss cheese

1 3/4 cups milk

3 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Preheat oven to 350. Cook macaroni as package directs; drain. To hot macaroni, in same saucepan, add remaining ingredients except 1/2 cup cheese; mix well. Cook and stir over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes until cheese melts. Turn into greased 1 1/2 quart shallow baking dish or 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Top with remaining cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Refrigerate leftovers.

If loaf pan is used, bake 30 to 35 minutes.

Serves 6 to 8

I usually double this recipe.

Southern Living

Yum