Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsFOODLAB: Kitchen + BarMac & Cheese Recipe

Mac & Cheese Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Served with rice and beans.

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Ingredients

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Mac & Cheese

Rice and Beans

Method

Mac & Cheese

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Make the Cheese Sauce

    In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.

  3. 3

    Add Cheese and Seasoning

    Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

  4. 4

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Rice and Beans

  1. 5

    Sauté Onion and Garlic

    In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 6

    Cook the Rice

    Add the rice to the saucepan and stir well. Pour in the water and add cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.

  3. 7

    Add Beans

    Once the rice is cooked, add the black beans to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine and allow to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.

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