Description
A comforting dish combining rich caramelized onions and creamy mac and cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking. While the oven warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to package instructions until it is just al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside for later use.
- In a large skillet, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions. The key to achieving that perfect caramelized flavor is patience; cook the onions slowly for about 25 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. You want them to become deeply golden and tender, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through.
- Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, sprinkle the flour over them and stir well to combine, making sure the flour is absorbed. Gradually pour in the whole milk and beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, simmering it until it starts to thicken into a smooth sauce. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat, and add in the Gruyere cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is silky.
- Next, carefully fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is coated in the rich cheese and onion sauce. Transfer this decadent mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Once ready, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set.
Notes
Allow the onions to caramelize slowly; rushing this step will affect the flavor. Make sure to undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sodium: 825 mg
- Protein: 24 g