Creamy Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

This easy oven-baked macaroni and cheese casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dinner made with just four simple ingredients. Uncooked elbow macaroni is baked directly in a creamy cheese sauce, so there’s no need to boil the pasta first.

The result is tender macaroni coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce with a nostalgic homemade-casserole flavor. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners, family gatherings, potlucks, or an easy holiday side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Only 4 ingredients: Simple pantry and refrigerator staples keep this recipe affordable.
• No pre-cooking the pasta: The dry macaroni cooks right in the casserole dish.
• Easy weeknight comfort food: Minimal preparation and cleanup make it perfect for busy families.
• Creamy and cheesy: The jarred cheese sauce creates a smooth, rich texture.
• Family-friendly: Mild cheese flavor makes it a popular choice for both kids and adults.
• Easy to customize: Add cooked beef, chicken, ham, vegetables, or your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 jar (15 ounces) Velveeta cheese sauce
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup water

How to Make Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. Add the pasta: Pour the uncooked elbow macaroni into the casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
3. Make the cheese mixture: In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cheese sauce, milk, and water until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the dry macaroni. Make sure the pasta is well covered with the liquid. Give everything a gentle stir.
5. Bake covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Finish baking: Carefully remove the foil and stir the macaroni thoroughly. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
7. Rest before serving: Let the casserole stand for 5–10 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken and the flavors to settle.

Easy Variations

Add More Seasoning

For extra flavor, mix in 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, a little onion powder, or freshly ground black pepper before baking. A small amount of paprika can also add a pleasant savory note.

Make It Extra Creamy

For a richer baked macaroni casserole, replace the water with additional milk or evaporated milk. The extra dairy creates an even creamier texture.

Add Cooked Ground Beef

Turn this simple side dish into a more filling meal by adding 1–2 cups of fully cooked and browned ground beef. Ground beef macaroni and cheese is an easy family dinner option.

Add Chicken

Shredded cooked rotisserie chicken can transform this cheesy pasta casserole into a hearty chicken macaroni and cheese dinner.

Add Vegetables

For a more balanced meal, stir in cooked broccoli, peas, corn, or green beans.

What to Serve With Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy macaroni casserole pairs well with:

• Green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Buttered peas
• Roasted green beans
• Roasted vegetables
• Baked chicken
• Meatloaf
• Grilled beef
• Roasted turkey

Tips for the Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Use a shallow casserole dish: A shallow 2-quart dish helps the macaroni cook more evenly.

Cover the casserole tightly: Keeping the dish covered during the first baking stage helps trap steam and allows the uncooked pasta to soften.

Stir halfway through: Once you remove the foil, give the macaroni a thorough stir to distribute the sauce evenly.

Let it rest: Don’t serve it immediately after removing it from the oven. A 5–10 minute resting period allows the cheese sauce to become thicker and creamier.

Want it saucier? Add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk if you prefer a softer, creamier consistency.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

When reheating, add a small splash of milk before warming. This helps loosen the cheese sauce and restore some of its creamy texture.