Grandma'S Old-Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese
A comforting, cheesy baked macaroni dish with tomatoes and green peppers, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until not quite done.
- Drain the macaroni.
- Put one-half of the macaroni in a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Layer one-half of the grated cheese on top.
- Add the remaining macaroni and finish layering with the other half of the cheese.
- Pour evaporated milk over the top.
- Add tomatoes and green peppers on top.
- If liquid is not visible, add additional milk.
- Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 2 hours.
- Remove foil and add crushed cornflakes during the last 20 minutes of baking for a crisper topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese mixture. If you want to add more flavor, try mixing in some cooked bacon or sautéed onions. You can substitute Monterey Jack or a combination of cheeses for a different taste. For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Bread Custard Pudding for a delightful finish. You can also serve it as a side dish for grilled meats or BBQ, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Old-Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 512 calories, with 19g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (47% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 777mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free macaroni for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta can vary in cooking time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. You can enhance the flavors by adding more vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to make it heartier. Just ensure any additional ingredients complement the cheese and tomatoes.
Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow extra time for baking if it's coming straight from the fridge, and consider covering it with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).