Baked Macaroni and Cheese
# Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Welcome back to Cooking Share! Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of baked macaroni and cheese. This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser, and with just a few simple steps, you can create a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that everyone will love. Let’s get started!
## Ingredients Needed:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this baked macaroni and cheese recipe:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Ground beef
- Sugar
- Spaghetti sauce
- Macaroni
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cooking oil
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
## Step-by-Step Instructions:
### Step 1: Boil the Macaroni
First, we’ll begin by boiling some water. Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions. Once the macaroni is cooked, turn off the heat and strain it.
### Step 2: Make the Spaghetti Sauce
Next, we’ll make the spaghetti sauce. Add the ground beef to a pan and pan-fry it until it’s a light brown color. Once the ground beef is nicely browned, add the onion and garlic, and sauté them until they’re fragrant.
Now, add the spaghetti sauce to the pan. To clean out the jar of spaghetti sauce, add some water to it and use the remaining sauce. Add the water to the existing sauce in the pan.
Season the mixture with sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and stir until everything is well combined. Allow this mixture to simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.
### Step 3: Combine Macaroni and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, let it cool down for a few minutes. After it’s cooled, add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked macaroni. Save about one-fourth of the sauce for the base.
Gently stir the macaroni until the sauce coats the noodles evenly. It should look something like this.
### Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Take the reserved sauce and spread it onto the bottom of a casserole dish. This will prevent the macaroni from sticking to the dish. Add the noodles to the dish, layering them until it looks just about like this.
### Step 5: Make the White Sauce
Now, let’s make the white sauce. Add some butter to a pan and melt it over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add all-purpose flour and stir continuously until the flour is completely dissolved, making sure it looks smooth and lump-free.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure it incorporates smoothly. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes lump-free, resembling something like this.
Once the white sauce is ready, turn off the heat and add about 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir well until the cheese is fully incorporated. Let the white sauce cool for a minute before using it.
### Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Spread the cooled white sauce evenly over the top of the macaroni in the casserole dish.
Now, we’re going to add three types of cheeses on top—mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Of course, you can use whatever cheeses you have on hand, but these three layers add a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
### Step 7: Bake the Dish
Finally, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheeses are nicely browned. Once the baking time is up, take it out of the oven when the cheese is golden and bubbly.
### Step 8: Serve
Slice and serve your baked macaroni and cheese while it’s hot. It’s incredibly delicious and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
For exact measurements and more cooking tips, visit our website at [www.filipino.com](http://www.filipino.com). As always, have a great day and enjoy your cooking!
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That’s the full recipe for baked macaroni and cheese, brought to you by Cooking Share. We hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide and that you’ll give it a try next time you’re in the kitchen. Happy cooking!