The Ultimate Mac & Cheese: Ooey, Gooey, and Life-Changing

Mac & cheese is the backbone of happiness. It’s creamy, cheesy, and the answer to 99% of life’s problems. But let’s be real—who wants to deal with boiling water, draining pasta, and washing extra dishes? Not me, and probably not you. So, here’s the no-boil, one-pan, lazy-genius mac & cheese recipe that will change your life.

Why This Recipe Is Elite ✨

✅ Zero boiling – The oven does everything for you.
✅ One skillet = fewer dishes – Less cleanup, more cheese time.
✅ Cheese on cheese on cheese – Because obviously.

Fun Mac & Cheese Fact! 🤓

The first-ever mac & cheese recipe dates back to the 14th century and was called “makerouns” (fancy, right?). But let’s be honest—ours is way better.

The Game Plan: Dump, Bake, Stir, Devour

What You’ll Need

• ½ block Velveeta – The MVP of creaminess.
• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni – Trust the process, no pre-cooking needed.
• 3 cups milk – For that ultra-smooth texture.
• 2 cups shredded cheese – More cheese = more happiness.
• 1 stick butter, cut into pieces – Because butter makes everything better.
• ½ tablespoon black pepper – A lil’ kick.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Gotta season properly.
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard & ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Flavor boosters.

How to Make It:

1️⃣ Velveeta throne – Place the Velveeta block right in the center of your cast iron skillet (or baking dish). It’s the star of the show.

2️⃣ Elbow takeover – Pour the dry macaroni all around the Velveeta. Looks weird now, but trust the process.

3️⃣ Milk magic – Pour in 3 cups of milk, making sure everything is getting that dairy love.

4️⃣ Cheese avalanche – Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top like a glorious cheesy snowfall.

5️⃣ Butter bombs – Scatter the butter pieces evenly, because buttery bites are the best bites.

6️⃣ Season & bake – Sprinkle over your salt, pepper, mustard, and garlic powder—but DO NOT STIR (seriously, resist the urge). Pop it in the oven at 350°F for 25 minutes.

7️⃣ Stir & finish – After 25 minutes, give it a good mix, making sure everything is melting together. Put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes until bubbly and perfect.

8️⃣ DEVOUR. Eat straight from the skillet? Yes. Share? Optional.

This mac & cheese is pure comfort food magic. So go ahead, make a batch, and let the cheese-induced happiness take over. 🧀✨

The Ultimate Mac & Cheese

This baked mac & cheese is ultra-creamy, ridiculously cheesy, and dangerously addictive. Made with Velveeta, shredded cheese, and a buttery sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food glow-up! 🧀🔥

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:35 minutes mins

Total Time:40 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1/2 block Velveeta I cut the 32oz size in half
• 3 C dry elbows
• 3 C whole milk
• 2 C shredded cheese
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 T pepper
• 1 t salt
• 1/4 t ground mustard
• 1/4 t garlic powder

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the Velveeta in the center of a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
• Add the dry elbow macaroni, evenly distributing it around the Velveeta.
• Pour in the milk, making sure all the pasta is covered.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
• Distribute the butter pieces evenly across the dish.
• Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder—but do not stir.
• Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove from the oven and stir everything together.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is bubbly.

Servings: 6