Mac & Cheese, Slow Cooker Style I
I like Mac & Cheese, it was a staple when I was growing up, very cheap, easy to prepare, and often had a can of diced spam or hot dogs in it. This was made from a box, a very regular meal for a quick inexpensive meal. This meal however is not boxed and not inexpensive but has a lot of potential. Think of adding cubed ham, sliced grilled Kielbasa sausage or even Italian sausage, or even cooked cubed chicken. Or serving as a side with those dishes and a side of green beans, yummy!
Ingredients
- 500 grams elbow macaroni, uncooked, (1 lb)
- 1 can evaporated milk, standard can, (about 12 oz / 354 g)
- 2½ cups milk
- 226 grams Cream cheese, cut into large cubes and softened, (8 oz)
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, (1½, 250 gram blocks / 12 oz)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add everything to a slow cooker, stir to mix, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and turn on the slow cooker to Low setting for 2½ hours, do not open the lid, this is very important.
- At the 2 hour mark, open the lid and give a quick stir. If the sauce seems took thick, add a bit of milk and another stir to get the right consistency, then cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
Notes
Pasta will run about 55 Baht/500 grams. Cream cheese is about 120 Baht/250 gram block. Cheddar cheese is about 185 Baht/250 gram block, you will need about 1½ of these. For this meal the cost of the pasta and cheese alone (the milk is minimal) is 545 Baht. For a dish for 6 people, this would be about 91 Baht per person, or about $2.68 per person, not a cheap meal.
Now to extend this meal, serve as a side dish with a meat, like sausage or chicken, you will get more servings from this and lower the cost.
When I tried this recipe, I found it to be extremely rich. I would suggest halving the ingredients and perhaps having it as a side with something less rich – like some grilled fish and a light green salad (my opinion)
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
I agree, Denise, I have had a similar dish, quite rich indeed! Grilled fish and a green veggy, perfect 🙂