By Becky Hardin
Updated Jul 29, 2025
One pot mac and cheese in 15 minutes…without a box? Some recipes just seem too good to be true, but I promise this one is real and really easy. This is my favorite recipe for macaroni and cheese because I can make it when I’m in a rush and need something quick to fill me up. Not to mention, it’s super creamy, cheesy, and delicious! Why bother with the boxed stuff when you can make it from scratch just as easily? It’s a no-brainer!
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5-Star Review
“My family loved it! Even my picky 7 yr old said it was great.” -Catie
Easy One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
There was a time not long ago when I literally couldn’t cook a thing. My roommate joked that I couldn’t make instant coffee. This one pot mac and cheese is the kind of recipe I needed back then. It’s quick, easy, and super beginner-friendly. It’s also rich and delicious enough to impress just about anyone who tastes it. I still make it to this day for myself and my kids because it’s just that good and that easy!
Tips for Beginners
- Mix the butter and sauce into the pasta off the heat. If it’s heated too much, the cheese and egg will seize up and separate.
- If your sauce does separate, add a tbsp or two of milk or heavy cream and stir vigorously to bring it back together.
- Velveeta is my secret ingredient for a smooth, creamy sauce that never separates. It’s optional, but I find it makes things easier.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 8 oz. macaroni noodles (½ box) or any short shaped pasta
- ▢ 6 oz. evaporated milk ½ can*
- ▢ 1 large egg
- ▢ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ▢ ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ▢ 1 tsp dried basil
- ▢ 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- ▢ freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ▢ 2 cups shredded cheese choose your favorite(s)**
- ▢ 4 tbsp unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ▢ ½ cup cubed Velveeta optional
Video
Instructions
- Boil the noodles to al dente according to the directions on the package. 8 oz. macaroni noodles
- While you’re boiling the noodles, combine everything except the butter in a medium-sized bowl and set aside. 6 oz. evaporated milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 2 cups shredded cheese, freshly ground black pepper
- Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl and set aside. 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Once the noodles are done, drain and return them to the pot (turn off the heat), add the butter, and stir to coat the noodles.
- Add the egg mixture to the noodles and turn the heat back up to low. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the cheese is melted. Add in the Velveeta (optional) if using. ½ cup cubed Velveeta
- Serve immediately (it will thicken and dry out if you wait too long).
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make One Pot Mac and Cheese Step by Step
Boil the noodles: Boil 8 ounces (½ box) of macaroni noodles to al dente according to the directions on the package.
Mix the sauce: While you’re boiling the noodles, combine 6 oz. (½ can) of evaporated milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp of smooth Dijon mustard, ⅛ tsp of ground nutmeg, 1 tsp of dried basil, 1 tsp of kosher salt, 2 cups of shredded cheese, and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
Butter the noodles: Melt 4 tbsp (½ stick) of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once the noodles are done, drain and return them to the pot (turn off the heat), add the butter, and stir to coat the noodles.
Thicken the sauce: Add the egg mixture to the noodles and turn the heat back up to low. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the cheese is melted. Add in ½ cup of cubed Velveeta (optional) if using.
Serve: Serve immediately (it will thicken and dry out if you wait too long).
How to Store
I have found that this one pot mac and cheese tastes best as soon as it’s made, but leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
I love how simple this one-pot mac and cheese recipe is. It makes a great side dish or main meal. To make it a meal, you can throw in diced seared chicken or grilled shrimp . I like to add crumbled bacon to make it extra tasty!
More Mac and Cheese Recipes to Try!
Mac and Cheese Casserole
Loaded Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Mexican Mac and Cheese
One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz. macaroni noodles (½ box) or any short shaped pasta
- 6 oz. evaporated milk ½ can*
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheese choose your favorite(s)**
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ½ cup cubed Velveeta optional
Instructions
- Boil the noodles to al dente according to the directions on the package. 8 oz. macaroni noodles
- While you’re boiling the noodles, combine everything except the butter in a medium-sized bowl and set aside. 6 oz. evaporated milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 2 cups shredded cheese, freshly ground black pepper
- Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl and set aside. 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Once the noodles are done, drain and return them to the pot (turn off the heat), add the butter, and stir to coat the noodles.
- Add the egg mixture to the noodles and turn the heat back up to low. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the cheese is melted. Add in the Velveeta (optional) if using. ½ cup cubed Velveeta
- Serve immediately (it will thicken and dry out if you wait too long).
Video
Notes
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
