Mac And Cheese: Meaty Companions For A Classic Dish

Macaroni and cheese is a classic, comforting dish that can be taken to the next level with the addition of meat. From ground beef to lobster, there are endless possibilities to elevate this simple meal into a hearty main course. Whether you're a fan of spicy sausage, crispy bacon, or even pulled pork, there's a mac and cheese combination to suit every taste. So, if you're looking to add a little something extra to your mac and cheese, why not experiment with different types of meat? With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find a combination that will tantalize your taste buds.

Mac and cheese with bacon

Ingredients

The ingredients for this dish are simple and easily accessible. You will need:

• Bacon, preferably thick-cut and hickory-smoked, cut into small squares or strips.
• Pasta, such as macaroni, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni.
• Cheese, a blend of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan, or a combination of orange and white cheddar.
• Milk, preferably whole milk, for a creamy sauce.
• Butter, to add a rich, buttery flavour.
• Flour, to thicken the sauce.
• Spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavour.
• Optional ingredients include hot sauce, thyme, and caramelized onions.

Method

The method for making this dish is straightforward and can be summarised in a few simple steps:

• Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving some of the bacon fat in the pan.
• Add butter and flour to the bacon fat, whisking until combined. This creates a roux, the base for your sauce.
• Pour in milk and whisk until smooth, creating a creamy sauce. Add spices to enhance the flavour.
• Stir in the cheese, allowing it to melt and combine with the sauce.
• Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the sauce, stirring until everything is coated.
• For an extra crunchy topping, make a panko topping by melting butter and mixing it with panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this over the mac and cheese before baking.
• Bake the mac and cheese in the oven until it is heated through and the topping is crispy.

Tips and Variations

• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavour. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the sauce.
• Thick-cut, high-quality bacon is recommended for the best flavour and texture.
• You can use different types of pasta, such as cavatappi or elbow macaroni, depending on your preference.
• If you prefer a more saucy mac and cheese, you can skip the baking step and serve it straight from the pan.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use butter instead.
• You can also add vegetables like blanched broccoli or wilted spinach to make it a more balanced meal.

Mac and cheese with beef

Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are easily available and can be substituted based on preference and availability. Here is a list of ingredients with possible alternatives:

• Elbow macaroni: You can also use penne, shells, or twists.
• Ground beef: Try ground chicken, turkey, or venison for a change.
• Yellow onion: Use fresh onion or onion powder.
• Cheddar cheese: For more flavour, shred your own cheese. You can also use pepper jack cheese.
• Tomato sauce: This adds a tangy flavour to the dish.
• Sour cream: Greek yoghurt is a good substitute.
• Montreal steak seasoning: Any bold and savoury seasoning will work.
• Additional seasonings: Garlic powder, pepper, salt, and chilli powder can be added for more flavour.

Method

This beefy mac and cheese can be prepared in six simple steps:

• Cook the macaroni as per package instructions.
• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat.
• Add the tomato sauce, sour cream, seasonings, and parsley to the skillet.
• Simmer the mixture for a few minutes, then remove from the heat.
• Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir well.
• Add the shredded cheese, stir until melted, and serve.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a standalone meal or with a side of toasted garlic bread. Here are some side dish suggestions:

• Seasoned green beans
• Honey-roasted carrots and parsnips
• Creamy Shoe Peg Corn Salad
• Simple green salad

You can also experiment with toppings such as cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeno peppers, or buttered and toasted breadcrumbs.

Mac and cheese with chicken

Ingredients

For a successful chicken mac and cheese, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can also use other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
• Chicken: Opt for boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use precooked or leftover chicken to save time.
• Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and spinach form the base, but you can also add mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for extra nutrition and flavour.
• Cheese: A combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a stretchy and sharp cheese sauce. You can also add a touch of Gruyere or use other cheeses you prefer.
• Liquid: Milk is the primary liquid, and you can choose between whole, 2%, or low-fat milk. Additionally, white wine or chicken broth can be used to enhance the flavour.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and Italian herbs add depth of flavour to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, use breadcrumbs such as panko, toasted in butter.

Preparation

Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing your chicken mac and cheese:

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
• In the same skillet, sauté the onions for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
• Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook for another minute.
• Whisk in the milk, dried mustard, and any additional liquid (white wine or chicken broth).
• Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
• Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Combine everything well.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• For the breadcrumbs, melt butter in a skillet, add breadcrumbs, and cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
• Serve the mac and cheese with the crispy breadcrumbs on top.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken mac and cheese is a meal in itself, but you can also offer some side dishes to round out the meal:

• Roasted vegetables: Try roasted broccoli with Parmesan, roasted zucchini with garlic, or garlic Parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Salad: A crisp cucumber salad with grapes and almonds or a Caesar salad with creamy Parmesan dressing can complement the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Bread: Freshly baked bread, such as no-knead skillet bread, is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Customisation

Chicken mac and cheese is versatile and can be customised to your taste:

• Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, fontina, or American cheese to find your favourite combination.
• Spiciness: If you like a kick, add some cayenne pepper or use spicy chicken sausage instead of plain chicken.
• Vegetables: Toss in some peas, broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and add texture.
• Creaminess: For an even creamier dish, add light or heavy cream to the sauce.
• Protein: If you want to explore different proteins, try using pork instead of chicken.

Mac and cheese with meatballs

Ingredients

For the meatballs, you will need:

• Ground beef and/or ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper

For the mac and cheese, you'll need:

• Pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotelle)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Fontina cheese or another melty white cheese
• Salt and pepper

Method

First, make your meatballs. Combine the meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and broil or bake at a high temperature (450°F or on the second-highest rack setting) for 5-10 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Next, cook your pasta. You want it to be al dente, so cook it for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, then remove from the heat and stir in the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Now, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and stir well. Add the meatballs and gently mix them into the mac and cheese.

Finally, transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or baking dish and bake in the oven at 325-375°F for about 20 minutes, or until bubbling throughout. If you like a bit of extra browning, you can finish it under the broiler for a few minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Tips and Variations

• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork for the meatballs.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought, pre-made meatballs.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the sauce, such as Colby or sharp cheddar. Just make sure they melt well and have a strong flavour.
• For an extra creamy sauce, add a small amount of processed cheese like Kraft singles or Velveeta.
• If you want to add some vegetables, try serving this dish with a green salad or sautéed spinach.

Mac and cheese with sausage

Ingredients

• Sausage (spicy, Italian, or any variety of your choice)
• Pasta (macaroni or any other small shape)
• Milk (regular, low-fat, or non-fat)
• Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a mixture)
• Onion
• Butter
• Flour
• Garlic (optional)
• Spices and seasonings (salt, pepper, dry mustard, Italian seasoning)

Instructions

First, cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a pot of salted water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a large pan, cook the sausage over medium heat. Break the sausage into small pieces using a wooden spoon or utensil. Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, melt some butter and add diced onion. Cook the onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute before adding the milk. Mix well and add Italian seasoning, pepper, and dry mustard. Continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens and reaches a creamy, soup-like consistency.

Next, add the cheese to the mixture and stir until it is completely melted. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Finally, combine the cooked pasta and sausage with the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well incorporated. Serve the mac and cheese with sausage while it is still hot.

Tips and Variations

• You can experiment with different types of cheese and sausage to suit your taste preferences.
• For a vegetarian option, use meatless ground beef or meatless sausages.
• To make it a more complete meal, add some vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, use regular milk instead of low-fat or non-fat milk.
• To bake this dish instead of cooking it on the stovetop, combine the cheese, sausage, and noodles, leaving some cheese sauce aside. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese sauce, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions