Macaroni

Triticum durum (Durum wheat, primary ingredient) Grain/Pasta

Macaroni Grain/Pasta

At a Glance

  • Category Grain/Pasta

The Forktionary Angle

"Despite its common association with Italian cuisine, macaroni's origins can be traced back to ancient China or the Middle East, with its form evolving over centuries."

Definition

A type of dry pasta typically made from durum wheat, characterized by its narrow, elbow-shaped tubular form, often used in baked dishes and soups.

Cooking Time (al dente) 7-10 minutes
Gluten Content High (from Durum wheat)
Primary Use Macaroni & Cheese

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Macaroni are:

Neutral starchy becomes soft and chewy when cooked

Chef’s Secret

To prevent macaroni from clumping and to enhance its flavor in baked dishes, undercook it by 1-2 minutes and rinse briefly with cold water before adding to sauces.

Best Substitutes

Ditalini 1:1

small shells 1:1

penne (cut shorter) 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture. Store in a cool, dry place indefinitely.

Recipes Using Macaroni

Main Ingredient Preparation Main Dish One Dish Meal

Beef Mozzarella Bake

This crowd-pleasing Beef Mozzarella Bake is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks and gatherings! While it might not look glamorous before baking, the incredible flavor and cheesy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds. This hearty recipe is easy to make and feeds a multitude.

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Pasta Easy Stove Top Dietary

Beef And Mac Skillet

Quick and easy one-pan Beef and Macaroni skillet recipe, perfect for busy weeknights! This comforting classic is ready in under 40 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.

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Pasta Main Dish Eggs Dairy Equipment

Bean Burger Casserole

This nostalgic casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for picky eaters of all ages! A comforting blend of savory bean and bacon soup, lean ground beef, cheesy macaroni, and a hint of smoky bacon creates a protein-packed dish the whole family will love. My son, now 29, still requests this recipe – a testament to its deliciousness and lasting appeal. Get ready for a taste of childhood comfort!

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Course Dietary Time To Make Course

Baked Mac N Cheese

Creamy, dreamy, baked mac and cheese! This classic comfort food recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Get ready to experience mac and cheese perfection!

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Easy Dietary Time To Make Course

Beef And Macaroni

A quick and easy 22-minute Beef and Macaroni recipe! This comforting classic combines savory ground beef with perfectly cooked macaroni, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Served with a side of American cheese, crusty bread, and a fresh green salad, it's the perfect family-friendly meal.

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Dietary Cuisine Elbow Macaroni Midwestern

Baked Macaroni And Cheddar

A comforting twist on a classic! This baked macaroni and cheese recipe, adapted from prairie home cooking, is just like Mom used to make. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a taste of pure nostalgia with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation Easy Main Ingredient

Aunt Bonnie's Ring Macaroni Tuna Salad

A nostalgic blast from the past! This creamy tuna salad recipe, reminiscent of 1960s Minnesota barbeques, features delightful Creamette macaroni rings (or anellini). Aunt Bonnie's secret? A simple yet incredibly flavorful combination that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch. Get ready to taste a piece of family history!

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Low Carb Time To Make Course North American

Affordable Basic Restaurant Style Tomato And Macaroni Soup

Craving that comforting restaurant-style tomato macaroni soup? This nostalgic recipe, inspired by a family restaurant favorite from the 1950s, delivers big flavor without breaking the bank! Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this fat-free soup is quick to make and even better the next day. Customize it with rice, parsley, leftover veggies, herbs, celery leaves, cheese, or diced tomatoes for endless variations. Double or triple the recipe for a crowd-pleasing meal!

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Cheese Cheese Taste Mood Pasta Rice And Grains

Best Ever Macaroni And Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food! This creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe is far superior to anything you'll find in the supermarket. A blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, creamy Gouda, pungent bleu cheese, and smoky cheeses creates an unforgettable flavor explosion. A crispy bacon and cracker topping adds the perfect crunch. This recipe is perfect for a cozy winter night, freezes beautifully, and reheats like a dream in the microwave. Get ready for cheesy bliss!

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North American Winter 60 Minutes Or Less Cheese

Creamy Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese! This recipe features a decadent blend of Velveeta, cream cheese, half-and-half, and egg, creating a rich, cheesy sauce with a melt-in-your-mouth custardy texture. Inspired by family favorites and perfected through experimentation, this macaroni and cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare for cheesy bliss!

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Toddler Friendly Toddler Friendly Brunch Eggs

Bacon And Macaroni Frittata

This vibrant Bacon and Macaroni Frittata is a delicious and surprisingly quick weeknight meal! Enjoy it as a light summer lunch with a fresh salad or a hearty winter dinner alongside your favorite sides. Made with extra lean bacon for a healthier twist, this frittata skips the heavy pastry crust of a quiche, offering a complete protein-packed meal in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Dietary Low Carb Equipment Dietary

Anytime Pizza Casserole

This kid-approved Anytime Pizza Casserole is a family favorite! A fun twist on classic pizza, this cheesy, bubbly bake offers endless customization options. Load it up with your favorite pizza toppings for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. We add a touch of brown sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity and a burst of flavor from minced garlic. Get ready for cheesy, saucy goodness!

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Main Dish Beginner Cook Cheese Taste Mood

Baked Macaroni Tomatoes Cheese

This easy weeknight recipe delivers cheesy, comforting deliciousness in under an hour! Creamy baked macaroni and tomatoes, topped with bubbly cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs – it's the perfect family-friendly meal that's ready in a flash. Pair with a simple salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Eggs Dairy Low Cholesterol Equipment Ground Beef

Beef And Macaroni Chili

This hearty Beef and Macaroni Chili is a comforting and flavorful weeknight meal! Tender beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a rich chili sauce combine for a taste sensation. Leftovers are even better the next day and freeze beautifully for future meals. Get ready for a delicious and easy recipe the whole family will love!

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Time To Make Course High Calcium Time To Make

Baked Mac Cheese

A creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible baked mac and cheese recipe, passed down through generations! This comforting classic is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to savor the cheesy goodness and warm your heart with every bite. Grandma Lewis's legacy lives on in this beloved dish – try it today!

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Beginner Cook Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains Easy

Arizona Skillet Dinner

Quick, easy, and flavorful vegetarian skillet meal! This Arizona Skillet Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with Southwestern spices. Serve with a fresh tossed salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Easy Pasta Preparation Main Ingredient

Lady's Day Out Casserole

This delicious and easy casserole is a fantastic make-ahead recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining! From our 'out-of-our-league' cookbook, this crowd-pleasing dish features layers of cheesy pasta, savory meat sauce, and tender vegetables. Partially prepare it ahead of time and freeze for later, making it ideal for meal prepping. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Eggs Dairy Cheese Course Main Dish

Austin Mac N Cheese Rachael Ray

Spice up your weeknight with this Southwestern twist on classic mac & cheese! This recipe, inspired by Rachael Ray's fiery cooking style, blends creamy cheeses with zesty tomatillo salsa for a flavor explosion. Get ready for a cheesy, gooey, and slightly spicy masterpiece that's easy to make and guaranteed to impress. We've added a helpful tip: add chorizo for extra protein and flavor! Don't forget the vibrant garnish of red peppers or green onions for the perfect finishing touch. (Caution: This recipe may involve a slightly fiery broiler experience!)

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