3 Easy Ways to Upgrade Boxed Mac & Cheese
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Boxed Mac and Cheese is a staple in many households, often seen as a quick side dish. However, with a few simple additions, it can easily become the star of your meal. In this recipe, we explore three delicious ways to elevate your mac and cheese experience.
First up is the Pepperoni Pizza Mac. By adding mini pepperonis and pizza sauce to the classic mac and cheese, you create a fun, pizza-inspired dish that kids and adults alike will love. The combination of creamy cheese and savory toppings makes for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Next, we have the Sloppy Joe Mac. This version incorporates ground beef, onions, and a sloppy joe seasoning mix, transforming your mac and cheese into a hearty and satisfying dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Lastly, the Tex-Mex Mac combines ground beef with fire-roasted tomatoes and chili beans for a spicy twist. Topped with shredded pepper jack cheese, this dish is bursting with flavor and is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals. These recipes not only make boxed mac and cheese more exciting but also provide a quick solution for busy weeknights.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Get water boiling in a large pot for the mac and cheese.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Tip: Preheat your oven to 350°F before starting.
Slice Italian chicken sausage into pieces.
Drain the cooked macaroni.
Add butter to the drained macaroni and let it melt.
Tip: Let the butter melt before adding milk to prevent cooling down the mixture.
Add milk and cheese packets to the macaroni and mix well.
Add mini pepperonis to the macaroni mixture.
Add about half a cup of pizza sauce to the mixture.
Tip: Eyeball the pizza sauce quantity for a more personalized flavor.
Stir in the sliced chicken sausage.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Tip: Spray the baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Sprinkle Italian blend cheese on top.
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Prepare to make sloppy joe mac and cheese by dicing onion and green pepper.
Heat a skillet to medium-high heat.
Add ground beef, onions, and peppers to the skillet and cook until browned.
Add tomato paste and half a cup of water to the skillet.
Add half a packet of sloppy joe seasoning to the mixture.
Tip: Taste the sloppy joe mixture before serving to adjust flavors.
Drain the cooked pasta.
Combine the drained pasta with the sloppy joe mixture.
Top with shredded pepper jack cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Start by boiling water for the macaroni.
Cook ground beef with diced onion in a skillet.
Add fire-roasted Rotel and chili beans to the ground beef.
Add the cheese pack to the mixture and stir to combine.
Tip: Add a little bit of ancho chili powder for a smoky flavor.
Tip: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for added depth of flavor.
Tip: This recipe is quick and perfect for a meal when you're in a hurry.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using boxed mac and cheese as a base allows for quick and easy meal customization.
- •Adding protein like chicken sausage or ground beef enhances the nutritional value of mac and cheese.
- •Incorporating different sauces and toppings can create a variety of flavors from a simple dish.
