A family recipe
30-Minute Macaroni and Cheese
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https://www.recipetineats.com/stovetop-macaroni-cheese/This stovetop macaroni and cheese is a perfect classic made entirely in one pot. The starch released from the pasta as it cooks directly into the sauce creates a silky, glossy texture that clings to every single noodle without being gluggy.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Serves
- 6
- Updated
- Sep 10, 2026
Ingredients
11 items
- 50 g butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 480 ml milk (full fat preferred but low fat is ok)
- 590 ml water
- 250 g elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 170 g cheese (Cheddar, Colby, Gruyere), shredded
- Salt and pepper
Optional Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
7 steps
Melt butter in a medium pot or large saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add about half of the milk and mix into the butter mixture until it becomes a slurry.
Add remaining milk and mix so the slurry incorporates, then pour in the water and seasonings.
Add macaroni and mix. Stir occasionally as it comes to heat, and lower the heat to medium-low when you see wisps of steam.
Stir regularly as it cooks for 9 to 10 minutes at a gentle bubble, or until the sauce thickens and the macaroni is just cooked and tender yet still firm.
Take the pot off the stove and quickly stir in the cheese until melted and smooth, then adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving immediately.