Skip to main content

Skillet Mac and Cheese

A simple recipe for a classic creamy, cheesy and comforting mac and cheese.
Kid friendly
Skillet with cheesy macaroni noodles.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 ½ cups uncooked macaroni
1 teaspoon margarine or butter
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon dry mustard (or 1 teaspoon prepared mustard)
1 ¼ cups nonfat or 1% milk
1 ¼ cups (5 ounces) grated cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a 10-inch skillet or saucepan, bring water to a boil.
  3. Add the macaroni and margarine or butter. Stir a few times to prevent sticking.
  4. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes (do not drain the water).
  5. Meanwhile, mix flour, salt and dry mustard in a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the milk and stir until smooth. Add remaining milk. Set aside.
  6. Take the lid off the skillet and cook macaroni until most of the water is gone.
  7. Stir and add milk mixture and cheese. Mix well. Cook and stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly and thick.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Add your favorite fresh or frozen vegetables in step 2. Try broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, spinach, tomatoes or zucchini.
  • Add your favorite seasonings in step 4. Try oregano, garlic powder, chili powder or others.
  • Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  • Try whole wheat macaroni or pasta in different shapes.

Comments

My boyfriend and I loved this easy skillet mac and cheese. So simple to make and it satisfied our cheesy pasta craving. I added some frozen broccoli as well as garlic powder and pepper, and it turned out great!

I love that this is just one pan, no strainer needed. My family likes adding corn or broccoli to mac and cheese. 

This recipe never disappoints! I partially cooked fresh broccoli in the microwave and added it in step 5. Thanks again, Food Hero!

I do love this easy and tasty way to make Mac and Cheese!

I have been using this recipe at my food bank tastings this whole month.

Rave reviews!

 

We make this as a regular go-to recipe in our house.  Today the only cheese I had was mozerella so I took a chance and used only that cheese.  YUMM!!  It turned out great.  Oh, and I didn't have macaroni so i used a different shaped pasta...

I've always considered myself a mac n cheese snob -- I only like the expensive kinds (Stouffers).  This recipe was HANDS DOWN the best mac n cheese I've ever tasted, and it was SO easy to make! 

I'm going to use this recipe with my classes -- and we'll be sure to look at the nutrition labels too (comparing against the name brands).  Some of the big brands try to fool you with a fat content of only 3 grams -- but that is for *uncooked*.  When prepared per directions on the box, the fat content is off the charts, making the Food Hero recipe the healthier choice.  And this recipe was a "normal" color, not that weird, fake, orange! 

This is the easiest homemade mac & cheese recipe I have ever made! When I first added the milk mixture I thought there was way too much sauce, but once it thickened up it was the perfect amount! I also added 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and black pepper in step 4 and it really added to the flavor. I can't wait to make this again and try adding spinach!

This is SUCH a quick and easy mac & cheese recipe, I love it!  I sometimes like to add spinach and call it "Green Mac" :)
 

Everyone went for seconds!  Super easy.  Steamed some broccoli for a side dish which was perfect.

This was a decent quick meal made from items we have in our pantry.  It was a bit grainy, but I don't think stirred in the flour enough.  All the kids had seconds. 

Stirring the flour mixture with the small amount of milk until it is thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps would be important to have a smooth sauce.  A grainy texture could also come from using a sharp cheese.  So glad your kids enjoyed it!

The Food Hero Team

So good! It was really cheesy and the celery added a nice crunch! I think I will add more of the veggies next time!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Fruited Tabouli
Large bowl of a colorful mix of bulgur, fruit and vegetables.

Fruited Tabouli

A tasty mix of grains, sweet grapes, and pops of mint and lemon. Perfect for a summer BBQ!
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Melon and Mint
Glass bowl of watermelon and honeydew cubes with mint.

Melon and Mint

Fresh and simple fruit salad with mint and lime.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
Yogurt dip served with a plate of sliced vegetables.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Quick and flavorful dip with Greek yogurt, mint and garlic. Perfect for snacks and party appetizers!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 ¼ cup
Baked Zucchini Sticks
Breaded and baked zucchini slices are shown on a serving platter with a side of marinara sauce.

Baked Zucchini Sticks

A tasty and simple way to prepare zucchini for dipping into your favorite sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Carrot Cake Cookies
Round cookies on a plate.

Carrot Cake Cookies

Soft and tasty cookies filled with oatmeal, carrots and raisins. These are healthy snack or dessert that the whole family will love!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
48 Cookies
Kiwi Popsicles
Kiwi popsicles in a bowl sitting on a table with slices of kiwi surrounding.

Kiwi Popsicles

Everyone will love these beautiful and naturally sweet and citrus-flavored treats. Perfect use for fresh or frozen kiwi and refreshing any time of year.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
8 pops
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.