More Than Just Mac & Cheese

Ah, Mac & Cheese. I have such fond childhood memories of this classic straight from the box. It's the first thing I probably learned to cook.

Yes, I said from a box. I could make it from scratch, but that wouldn't meet one of the requirements I set for this blog: cheap. Oh and easy. Anyway there are already some really great recipes for homemade Mac and Cheese like this one over at Pioneer Woman. Hers looks mouthwatering. I haven't had a chance to make it, but it requires making a roux. (A what?!? Exactly)

But the point here is not to just read the directions on the box for you, but rather to give you a few tips on how to make Mac & Cheese more than just Mac & Cheese. Let's start with the cast of Characters:

Ok so I know it looks like a lot, but I made a double batch (I was cooking for four), so I'm going to cut all the amounts I used in half for you.

1/2 pound Ground Beef (I used chuck because it was on sale, and drained off the excess grease)
1 box Mac & Cheese (the kind with the powdered cheese)**
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine (equivalent to 1/2 stick)
8 ounces frozen broccoli
1/2 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt
Salt and Pepper to taste
**If you get the Velveeta kind, you won't need the milk or butter.

In your spiffy new Sauce Pan either spray some non stick spray (Pam) or add about a tbsp of vegetable oil. Turn the heat to medium high. Meanwhile in your new sauce pan boil some water. I usually fill the pan just less than half full for mac and cheese, but you can follow the box directions for exact measurements. Turn this pot on high, and cover so it boils faster.

Once the oil is hot, (it will flow more easily around the pan), add the ground beef. Season with the Lawry's Seasoned Salt. (I will admit I guesstimated this measurement a little conservatively. Taste it once the meat is cooked and add more if you like.)

Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, break the meat up and mix around as you brown it. You don't have to stir it constantly, but you do have to watch it so it doesn't burn. Cook until there is no more pink. Remove from heat, drain the excess fat, and set aside. This is a good time to taste it to see if it needs more Lawry's or you could add garlic, salt, pepper, whatever floats your boat.

Meanwhile your water should start boiling. Go ahead and add the pasta from the box of Mac & Cheese. We're cooking the mac and cheese per the directions on the box. Meanwhile, drop the broccoli in a microwave safe bowl with about two tablespoons of water. Microwave on high for about 6 minutes. (Check the package, I cooked a whole pound, it might be less for a half a pound) If you don't like broccoli you could add any other frozen veggie that you like.

Once the pasta is cooked, (You can check if it's cooked by fishing out a piece, rinsing it in cool water and tasting it. Or look it see if the edges are starting to turn lighter in color then the centers. Or if it sticks to your cabinet when you throw it at it a la You Can't Do That on Television).

Anywho, once it is done, strain the pasta. In the now empty sauce pan, add the butter, and milk. Warm that up on the stove on a medium low heat to melt the butter. Then added the cheese packet and stir until smooth. This seems to make the cheaper versions of Mac and Cheese taste less powdered.
Add the pasta and stir until mixed. Now I added the pasta to the dish with the meat, but if you could do it the other way around too.

Finally I added the broccoli and stirred it all together.

Then just scoop some onto a plate and enjoy.

Ok so just to recap:

1/2 pound Ground Beef (I used chuck because it was on sale, and drained off the excess grease)
1 box Mac & Cheese (the kind with the powdered cheese)**
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine (equivalent to 1/2 stick)
8 ounces frozen broccoli
1/2 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt
Salt and Pepper to taste
**If you get the Velveeta kind, you won't need the milk or butter.

Brown the ground beef and season to taste.
Cook the Mac and Cheese per the package directions
Cook the Broccoli per the package directions (I microwaved it)
Mix the three together.
Do a final taste test and add more Lawry's Seasoned Salt, or Salt, or Pepper, or Garlic, or whatever floats your boat if necessary.
Enjoy.

This is just one way that I turned Mac and Cheese into a meal. There are lots of things you could do. Instead of Ground beef you could use cooked hot dog or sausage. Broccoli could be green beans or peas, or no veggies if you are so inclined. All you need is a little imagination, and willingness to experiment. Sometimes you'll fail, but sometimes you'll amaze yourself.

I hope you like it!