Mac 'n' Cheese Casserole -An Instant Family Favourite

Dinner time is tough!  My kids tastes seem to change daily and it's hard to keep up.  I'm often the one on dinner duty (as my husband if often home later in the day) so it's a bit stressful for me - the kids are tired and hungry and there's 4 of them!


The first time I made this casserole, they loved it ! They said it tasted just like pizza!  I have made it a few times since and I have modified the ingredients to suit what I had stocked in my cupboards and it still tasted incredible. But that's what I really like about this dish - the flexibility!  I also made this dish for a family going through a difficult time, and they not only appreciated the gesture but the entire family enjoyed this comforting meal. 

I like to serve it will a green salad on the side (or just some sliced veggies on the side for my kids) and it is just perfect!

there are some veggies in the dish and my kids don't seem to notice so even if they don't finish their side veggies, I know they are getting some in their main meal. Win!!

So what do you need for this dish? Chances are you have everything you need at home already!

- dry macaroni noodles
- tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce
- cheese
- bell peppers
- ground meat (beef or sausage)
- water
- milk or heavy cream
- spices (salt, pepper, onion salt, garlic powder, oregano)

Oh and the other part that I love about this dish....is the limited mess!  Only one skillet or pot needed and it only takes about 40 (10 minutes of prep and about 30 to cook)  minutes!



So here's how you do it.

1 - start by browning your meat.  be sure to season it to your taste.  I use salt, pepper, garlic salt, onion salt, Italian seasoning and a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.  But you know your family best so season it the way you like. Drain the meat if necessary.

2 - Add 2 diced peppers.  You can use red, green, yellow or orange.   It's up to you! I like my peppers on the firm side not mushy so I don't let mine cook for too long before adding the next few ingredients

3 - Add 18 oz of your tomato or pasta sauce.  If you are using tomato sauce that is unseasoned be sure to add some more seasoning mainly salt and Italian seasoning.  Be sure to taste!  When you add something unseasoned to something already seasoned all it does is 'water' down the dish so be sure to taste and season!

4 - Next add 18 oz of water and 2 cups of dry macaroni.  Bring it to a boil and then turn the heat down to simmer.  This will take about 20 minutes, stir and check the pasta now and then you want it al dente not mushy.

5 - After about 20 minutes, add 1/3 cup of cream (or milk, either works) and sprinkle about 2/3 of a cup of grated cheese.  If you want that true pizza taste, I suggest mozzarella but cheddar is also great! Mix it all together - the milk and cheese should melt in the casserole

6 - You are now ready to serve.  

I'm going to make this again, maybe this week!