Frederic Melton
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. While it's often considered comfort food, it can be elevated with various ingredients to make it a hearty meal. So, what meat entrees go well with mac and cheese? From bacon mac and cheeseburger to chicken pasta casserole, the options are endless. For a special treat, try lobster mac and cheese, or keep it simple with ground beef or turkey. For a smoky flavour, add andouille sausage, Cajun seasonings, and peppers. Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various meat entrees to create a satisfying and comforting meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat entrees served with macaroni and cheese | Bacon, Lobster, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Sausage, Turkey, Hamburger, Meatloaf, Steak, Pulled pork, Smoked brisket, Ribs, Buffalo chicken, Chili |
| Macaroni and cheese recipes | Baked, Stovetop, Muffin cups, Southwestern macaroni and cheese, Soul food or Southern macaroni, Taco cheeseburger macaroni, Chicken pasta casserole, Tex-Mex macaroni, BBQ mac and cheese, Slow cooker bacon mac and cheese, Skillet mac and cheese, Jalapeno ranch mac and cheese, Chili mac, Pumpkin mac and cheese |
| Side dishes | Steamed vegetables (broccoli, spinach, cauliflower), Roasted vegetables, Salads (chopped salad, Caesar salad), Roasted tomatoes, Sauteed mushrooms, Carrot sticks, Bagged salad, Frozen vegetables, Slaw, Brussels sprout Caesar, Arugula salad, Cabbage wedges |
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What You'll Learn
Mac and cheese with bacon
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and it can be made even more indulgent by adding bacon to the mix. This combination is a real crowd-pleaser and is perfect for game days, potlucks, and holiday parties.
There are a few ways to make mac and cheese with bacon, but the key ingredients are, of course, macaroni, cheese, and bacon. For the macaroni, it is recommended to use classic elbow macaroni noodles, but other similar-sized pasta shapes can be used instead. It is important not to overcook the pasta, as it may fall apart in the sauce. Thick-cut bacon is best, cut into small squares or pieces, to ensure it cooks evenly and is not too chewy.
For the cheese, a combination of cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella is a good option, as these melt well and create a creamy sauce. Other cheeses, such as gouda, gruyere, and cracker barrel extra sharp yellow cheese, can also be used for a more gourmet flair. It is best to shred the cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheese does not melt as smoothly.
To make the dish, cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then remove it from the pan and drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pan, adding flour, milk, and water to create a sauce. The pasta is then added to the sauce and simmered until tender. Finally, add the cheese and stir until melted, before mixing in the crispy bacon. The dish can be garnished with parsley, green onions, or chives, and served straight from the pot or baked in the oven.
This bacon mac and cheese is an easy, one-pot dish that is perfect for a comforting and indulgent meal. It is a simple recipe that can be adapted to personal preferences, making it a great option for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
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Mac and cheese with ground beef
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be served as a complete meal or with a variety of side dishes. It is a versatile dish that can be made from scratch, using a boxed variety, or even prepared in the microwave for a quick and convenient option. While mac and cheese is delicious on its own, adding ground beef takes it to the next level, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
When making Mac and cheese with ground beef, the type of ground beef you use can vary depending on your preference for fat content and flavor. Lean ground beef, with 90% lean or higher, will result in a lower-fat dish. On the other hand, higher-fat ground beef, such as an 80/20 blend, can add more flavor and richness to the dish. If you use a higher-fat ground beef, you may want to reduce or omit the amount of olive oil used in the recipe. Additionally, you can substitute ground beef with other ground meats such as chicken, turkey, or venison.
To prepare the dish, start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. You can add other ingredients such as onion powder, garlic, red pepper, Italian seasoning, or any other seasonings you prefer. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, add the tomato sauce and beef stock or chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Then, add the dried macaroni to the skillet and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
Finally, it's time to add the cheese! Stir in about two-thirds of your grated cheese, a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and any other cheeses you prefer. Turn off the heat and add the remaining cheese on top of the macaroni. Cover the dish and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve your beefy mac and cheese with a garnish of freshly chopped parsley or chives, and a simple green salad on the side.
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Mac and cheese with ham
Ingredients
You can use any type of ham you like for this dish. Some options include hickory-smoked ham, honey or maple-cured ham, black forest ham, prosciutto, or Canadian bacon. For the pasta, the classic elbow pasta is a good choice, but any short-cut pasta will work, such as shells, rotini, farfalle, or penne. Avoid using spaghetti, as it will not hold the sauce well. For the cheese, cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use Gruyere, Gouda, Havarti, Jarlsberg, Mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey, Colby Jack, or a mixture of your favourites. Freshly shredded cheese is best. You will also need milk, flour, butter, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Method
Start by boiling the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set it aside. In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly add milk while whisking to create a bechamel sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked pasta, diced ham, and frozen peas if desired. Taste and add salt if needed. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with buttered panko crumbs. Bake until hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
You can replace the milk with additional heavy cream for a richer dish. For a gluten-free option, skip the flour and use gluten-free pasta. If you like spice, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or use leftover ham cooked in root beer for a unique flavour.
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Mac and cheese with smoked sausage
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and it can be made even heartier by adding meat. One option for a meat entrée served with macaroni and cheese is smoked sausage. This combination makes for a delicious and comforting meal that your family is sure to love.
To make this dish, you'll need elbow macaroni, butter, milk, evaporated milk, cheddar cheese, Velveeta cheese, and smoked sausage. You can use either a large, deep skillet or a pot to cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and stir in butter.
Slice the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch or slightly thinner pieces. Heat vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and add the sausage slices, searing the edges and flipping them until lightly browned on each side. Set the sausage aside.
Pour the cooked pasta coated in butter into the skillet. Add milk and evaporated milk, stirring to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by cubes of Velveeta cheese. Place a lid on the skillet and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the milk is warm.
Finally, sprinkle the browned sausage on top of the macaroni and cheese, or stir it in to combine. You can also add some broccoli florets, sautéed peppers, onions, or other vegetables to round out the meal. Serve warm and enjoy!
This recipe is a great option for busy weeknights and picky eaters. It's simple, quick, and can be made in under 30 minutes. The addition of smoked sausage adds a boost of flavour and protein to the dish, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal for the whole family.
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Mac and cheese with chicken
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food combination. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken and create a filling meal.
There are several ways to make chicken mac and cheese, and you can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly poach some chicken breasts. You can also use ground chicken or other meats such as beef, pork, or turkey. For a saucier version, you can use mozzarella and cheddar, and for a spicy kick, you can make Buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
To make the dish, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside. In a separate pan, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through, then transfer to a plate. Add onions to the same pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, followed by garlic for 30 seconds. You can also add flour to make a roux. Next, add milk and cheese to make a sauce. Finally, stir in the cooked pasta and chicken, and season with salt and pepper.
For a crispy topping, melt butter in a skillet and add breadcrumbs, cooking for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese and serve. You can also bake the dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for a casserole-style mac and cheese.
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