Cheesy Ranch Shells - My Fav Homemade Mac & Cheese

Submitted by mailbelle

"I got this recipe out of the newspaper years ago. It's a favorite at our house. Folks always comment that they like how the sauce sort of bursts out of the shells when you're eating it. I've made this with both small and medium shells with equal success."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 cups pasta shells
• 1⁄4 cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 cups milk
• 1⁄4 cup ranch salad dressing
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided

directions

1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the shells to desired doneness; drain, transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, saute the onion in the butter for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
3. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and mustard powder.
4. Gradually add the milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
5. Add the ranch dressing and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese; stir until the cheese melts.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked shells.
7. Place in a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese begins to turn golden brown.

Reviews

[scottishgirl1983]

I thought this recipe was fantastic. I had to tweak it some though because we didn't have onion in the house, I used onion salt instead and I also cut up some velveeta cheese to put over the sauce mixture to add extra cheese. Also, we omitted the mustard. But It was still fantastic, my husband and I both thought it was the best mac and cheese ever.

 

[didyb]

Had to leave out the onions. Other than that, followed the recipe exactly. The whole family loved it. The ranch isn't really tasted as much, but it lends to a really creamy texture. I personally thought the white sauce by itself, before adding the cheese and ranch was absolutely delish! Thanks!

 

[SusanRose]

Awesome Mac & Cheese! I made it with elbows instead of shells. The sauce was amazing. I'll be making this again for sure.