Stovetop Mac and Cheese

This recipe comes from AllRecipes.com - I love homemade baked mac and cheese, but I don't always have time for long baking before dinner. I like that it's a one-pot dish, less cleanup!

One great thing about macaroni and cheese - it's just BEGGING for add-ins! After the recipe post I have included a few variations on the theme :)

Stovetop Mac and Cheese
makes about 6 servings

Ingredients:
8 ounces macaroni
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
- Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan pan over medium heat. Add onions, and saute. Stir in flour and salt.
- Add milk and macaroni to saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and cover.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally
- Add cheese, and stir until cheese melts

Total Cost:
Macaroni - $0.50
Milk - $0.51
Onion - $0.20
Butter - $0.27
Cheese - $2.40
Salt, flour - negligible

Grand Total: $3.88 for 6 servings, or $0.64 per serving!

Some add-ins for inspiration

Bacon and diced green pepper
Shredded mexican chicken and diced tomato
Peas and carrots
Broccoli florets and chicken chunks
Ground beef or turkey (browned) and chili powder
Leftover Crockpot Sloppy Joe