Microwave MacAroni, Luncheon Meat, & Cheese Casserole
Submitted by rhondatoad
Microwave mac and cheese loaded with sharp cheddar, luncheon meat strips, and a buttered bread crumb topping. Stovetop-free comfort food that comes together in one casserole dish.
YIELD
8 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
20 minREADY
30 minA 1970s-style microwave mac and cheese that turns cubed luncheon meat (think SPAM, bologna, or canned ham) into the protein anchor of a one-dish dinner. Sharp aged cheddar is the heavy hitter for flavor, with dry mustard added to the roux for the slight tangy bite that defines good mac and cheese. No stove needed, no second pan, no fuss.
The microwave roux is the trick. Whisking butter, flour, and seasonings together first, then gradually adding milk and zapping in 10 minutes builds the same béchamel base you’d get on the stovetop but without the constant whisking. The final buttered breadcrumb topping gets toasted in the microwave for crunch before being sprinkled on top.
Kitchen Tips
- Use the sharpest aged cheddar you can find. Mild cheese dissolves into a flat-tasting sauce.
- Stir the sauce frequently during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Microwaves heat unevenly and the edges thicken first.
- Cook the macaroni slightly under al dente. It continues cooking once mixed with the hot sauce in the casserole.
- For real crunch on the bread crumb topping, finish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes instead of microwaving the last step.
Variations
Ingredients
Directions
In a deep, 2½ quart, heat-resistant, non-metallic casserole.
Blend in flour, salt, pepper and dry mustard stirring until well combined.
Gradually stir in milk until smooth.
Heat, uncovered, in Microwave Oven 10 minutes or until thick.
Stir frequently during last half of cooking time.
Add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
Add cooked macaroni and luncheon meat. Stir until well blended.
In a small, heat-resistant, non-metallic bowl combine melted Microwave Oven 3 minutes or until bread crumbs are lightly browned.
Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over macaroni mixture.
Heat, uncovered, in Microwave Oven 5 minutes or until heated.
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