stovetop macaroni and cheese

By momofsixplus1

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup(4 tbsp) butter
• 1 large onion, chopped(about 1 cup)-optional
• 1/8 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 lb(8oz) elbows, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Preparation

Step 1

melt butter in a 4qt saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until transparent. stir in flour and salt. cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. add milk, stir to blend. bring to a low, steady simmer. add uncooked elbows. cover and continue to simmer gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.(mixture will thicken as it is cooking) remove from heat. add cheese. stir gently until cheese is melted. pour mixture into an 1 1/2 qt casserole dish, cover, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

***FOR A CHEESIER MAC & CHEESE, TOP WITH AN ADDITIONAL 1/2 CUP CHEDDAR CHEESE AND BROIL UNTIL CHEESE IS MELTED.