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Million Dollar Mac & Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 72 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Million Dollar Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish perfect for family dinners. Combining elbow macaroni with a rich blend of Ragu cheese sauce, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar, it delivers a comforting, flavorful meal baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 (16-oz) box elbow macaroni
  • 1 (16-oz) jar Ragu cheese sauce

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp dried parsley

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with the entire jar of Ragu cheese sauce. Set this cheesy pasta mixture aside.
  4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In another large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and dried parsley. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
  5. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the macaroni and cheese sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over this layer.
  6. Add Remaining Pasta and Cheese: Top the cream cheese layer with the remaining macaroni mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let the dish set and enhance flavors.

Notes

  • For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
  • You can substitute homemade cheese sauce if preferred.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Add cooked bacon or breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.
  • Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.

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Find it online: https://quickhomedishes.com/million-dollar-mac-and-cheese-recipe/