Jazz Up Boxed Macaroni And Cheese With 6 Variations Recipes

Steps:

• Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed. Then mix in one of the following.
• Meat Lovers' Special Supper: Mix in frozen mini meatballs (cooked according to package directions), diced salami or pepperoni and a dash of hot sauce. (I added 16 mini meatballs).
• Tasty Tuna: Stir in drained tuna and frozen peas (thawed); top with canned french fried onions. Bake until hot.
• Smoky Peppers: Toss in a jar of drained, chopped roasted red peppers, some shredded provolone cheese and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Zesty Bacon: Mix in cooked crumbled bacon and canned fire roasted diced tomatoes (drained); heat through. Before serving, sprinkle with thinly sliced fresh basil.
• Taco Mac: Saute ground beef with a couple of spoonfuls of chili powder until browned; stir into macaroni and cheese with a little salsa. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips.
• Chicken Divan: Stir in chopped rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli florets (thawed) and a little dijon or honey mustard; heat through.

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions; set cheese packet aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain., Add the soup, water, ketchup, mustard and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4 minutes., Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture. Add the corn, cheese, contents of reserved cheese packet, butter and milk. Cook and stir until cheese and butter are melted.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add both boxes of macaroni (pasta only) into a casserole dish and add water.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 8 minutes.
• After 8 minutes lift foil, stir gently, replace foil and bake for another 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add 2 tablespoons melted butter to the crushed Ritz crushed crackers and mix.
• Lay strips of bacon on a plate and cover with a paper towel.
• Microwave at 30 second intervals until bacon is crispy.
• Once bacon is cool, crumble into pieces.
• When pasta is ready, remove from oven and stir in 1/2 cup butter, milk and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
• Top with remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon and crushed crackers.
• Return to oven, uncovered, until topping is golden brown and bubbling (about 15 minutes). Serve.
• Additional add-ins: grilled chicken, broccoli, peas, tuna, salsa or ground beef.
• Healthy Alternatives: Use whole grain or veggie pasta. Add whole grain crushed crackers for topping.