Is there anyone who doesn’t like macaroni and cheese? It is easy to make and goes with anything. You can eat it by itself and still feel satisfied. Mac and cheese is one of the dishes even a picky toddler will eat. One of my favorite meals when I was little was my mom’s mac and cheese casserole. Thick and creamy mac and cheese mixed with hot dogs and tomatoes baked in the oven and comes out gooey and delicious. Of course, I didn’t like tomatoes when I was little, but they were diced small and barely noticeable. The tomatoes and juice give it that little something extra. When I saw that there was a National Mac and Cheese Day, I knew I had to whip up a batch to celebrate.
Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Casserole
- 16oz elbow macaroni
- 12oz can evaporated milk
- 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices American cheese
- 8 hot dogs
- 12oz can petite dice tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Place the noodles in the pot and fill with enough water to just cover all the noodles. Place on stove on high heat and bring to a boil.
- Pre-heat the oven to 350* and spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
- Cut your hot dogs into bite-sized pieces. If you are making this for young children, be sure to cut lengthwise first as hot dogs can be a choking hazard for little ones.
- When the noodles are almost el dente and most of the water is absorbed, add the can of evaporated milk – DO NOT DRAIN FIRST. Set to medium heat, stir, and bring to boil. Pay attention so once the milk begins to boil you can turn the heat to low.
- Once the milk is boiled and the heat is on low, add 2 cups of shredded cheese and stir. Rip the eight American cheese slices in fourths and add to noodles, stir. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the hot dogs and can of diced tomatoes, do not drain the juice from the tomatoes.
- Pour the mixture into the 9×13 pan. Add some shredded cheese on top and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until heated thoroughly.
Water should be just above the noodles. 
Add evaporated milk once most of the water has been absorbed – do not drain! 
Stir in your additions – look at that creaminess!
Variations to the Recipe
This recipe can also be used to just make the mac and cheese without the additives and baking. It is still just as delicious and creamy. If you do not like your mac n cheese as thick, add some 2% milk to the pot. Evaporated milk has reduced water, which is what helps makes it thick and creamy.
My daughter is in the picky stages of eating., so I made this as simple as I could. I had considered changing out the tomatoes for peas, but I love the flavor the tomatoes provide in this dish. Thankfully, she still ate it without complaining about the tomatoes. Is it just us, or do other parents also have to fight with their children to eat something they have happily eaten before? It makes no sense! Hahaha!
Make a substitution for the tomatoes if your family does not like them. I would recommend adding a little bit of milk, just a couple tablespoons, should you sub out the tomatoes to make up for the lack of tomato juice. You can add garlic, onions, or other vegetables as your family likes, as well. I have used ham instead of hot dogs in this recipe after the holidays when we usually have ham leftovers. The great thing about mac and cheese is its versatility, so have some fun mixing in things that suits your family’s preferences.
Happy Eating!
