52 Cheap Recipes That Start With a Box of Elbow Macaroni

Krista Marshall

Wed, May 14, 2025 at 8:45 PM UTC

9 min read

Elbow macaroni is a versatile and economical staple that can be used in a variety of dishes from soups to casseroles to pasta salads.
Macaroni and cheese is the most popular way to use elbow macaroni in recipes, with countless variations available.
A collection of 52 elbow macaroni recipes includes classic dishes like macaroni and cheese, goulash, and pasta salads, as well as unique recipes like avocado macaroni salad and cauliflower mac and cheese.

Do you keep a stocked pantry at all times? I think most of us would answer yes, even if the things we always want on hand might vary. Meal planning and cooking on busy nights are so much easier when you know certain ingredients are always sitting in your kitchen.

One thing I can always find in the cupboard, no matter what, is elbow macaroni. Not only is it one of the most economical staples you can buy, but there are so many things you can do with it. From simple casseroles to hearty pasta suppers and creamy macaroni salads, those tried-and-true elbows are a busy home cook's best friend. So, I rounded up 52 of the best elbow macaroni recipesfor the next time you find yourself with an extra box.

What Can I Make With Elbow Macaroni?

If you browse any recipe book or blog, you will see countless ways to use elbow macaroni in recipes. Here are some of the most popular dishes we love to use it in:

soups
casseroles
macaroni and cheese
pasta salads
pasta bakes
chili mac

What Is the Most Popular Way to Use Macaroni?

Just because you can do a thousand things with a box of elbow macaroni doesn't mean there isn't one utilization that sits atop the rest as being the number one choice. Can you guess it? Yes! Macaroni and cheese , of course!

Best Elbow Macaroni Recipes

When you launch the gallery you will find some things you probably expect, but also some great new ideas for classic macaroni. Easy Goulash has been a family favorite around here for four generations. There is a Homemade Hamburger Helper that will bring back all the childhood feels. The Cajun Pasta Salad would liven up your next burger night and the Budget Hamburger Casserole can save you some extra pennies.

In my local grocery stores, I can usually find a one-pound box of elbow macaroni for a dollar or less. Talk about being able to stretch a buck! With these classic, new and unique recipes, I have so many reasons to stock up and make sure the pantry always has a box just waiting on me.

Easy Macaroni Recipes

Easy Goulash

Sure to become your go-to dish when time is short.

Get the recipe: Easy Goulash

Related: 60 Easy Pasta Bakes

Easiest, Homemade Macaroni Salad Recipe

The pasta salad to beat all pasta salads.

Get the recipe: Easiest, Homemade Macaroni Salad Recipe

Nacho Beef Casserole

Every bite of this cheesy casserole tastes like a big plate of nachos.

Get the recipe: Nacho Beef Casserole

Sheet Pan Macaroni and Cheese

The best macaroni and cheese of your life begins with a sheet pan!

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Macaroni and Cheese

Avocado Macaroni Salad

No mayo in this mac salad! Instead, it has a homemade dressing with an avocado base.

Get the recipe: Avocado Macaroni Salad

No-Boil Baked Macaroni and Cheese

The macaroni boils right in the casserole, saving you time.

Get the recipe: No-Boil Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This will take you back to your childhood without the box.

Get the recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper

Trisha Yearwood's Slow-Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Ms. Yearwood knows great mac and cheese.

Get the recipe: Trisha Yearwood's Slow-Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Mac ‘n’ Cheese Frittata

A delicious, low-stress skillet meal.

Get the recipe: Mac ‘n’ Cheese Frittata

Copycat Cracker Barrel Restaurant Macaroni and Cheese

The restaurant classic can easily be made at home anytime you're craving it.

Get the recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Restaurant Macaroni and Cheese

Country Macaroni Salad

This mac salad has a secret ingredient everyone will try to guess.

Get the recipe: Country Macaroni Salad

Ham and Macaroni Au Gratin

Perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch.

Get the recipe: Ham and Macaroni Au Gratin

Stove Top Mac n Cheese

This creamy macaroni and cheese is great when you don't want to turn the oven on.

Get the recipe: Stove Top Mac n Cheese

One Skillet 20-Minute Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

So delicious, the kids won't care if they are eating their vegetables.

Get the recipe: One Skillet 20-Minute Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Copycat Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese

Christopher Testani
(Christopher Testani)

No need to hit the freezer section for this classic comfort food.

Get the recipe: Copycat Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese

BLT Macaroni Salad

With all the classic BLT ingredients, plus more, you will crave this salad.

Get the recipe: BLT Macaroni Salad

Mac 'n' Cheese Soup

A bowl of this cheesy soup is what you want to warm up with on a cold night.

Get the recipe: Mac 'n' Cheese Soup

Best-Ever Amish Macaroni Salad

A sweet and tangy macaroni salad with added crunch from fresh veggies.

Get the recipe: Best-Ever Amish Macaroni Salad

Pub-Style Mac and Cheese

Yep! There is beer in there!

Get the recipe: Pub-Style Mac and Cheese

Chicken Macaroni Salad

Make a batch on the weekend and have lunch all week long.

Get the recipe: Chicken Macaroni Salad

Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

A great starter recipe you can totally customize.

Get the recipe: Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

The cheesy flavor will have your kids asking for more.

Get the recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mac and Cheese

This plant-based macaroni and cheese will please everyone at your table.

Get the recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Lamb Ragu

If you've never cooked with ground lamb, this is the perfect way to begin.

Get the recipe: Crock Pot Lamb Ragu

Wolfgang Puck's Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Wolfgang's version has three cheeses and is baked to perfection.

Get the recipe: Wolfgang Puck's Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni Salad

This mac salad tastes unlike any other you've had, thanks to green olives.

Get the recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad

Baked Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Comfort food with a kick!

Get the recipe: Baked Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

BBQ Macaroni Salad

Sure to be a hit at every summer cookout you take it to.

Get the recipe: BBQ Macaroni Salad

Beef and Macaroni Soup

This hearty soup is a great use for leftover browned ground beef and is loaded with flavor.

Get the recipe: Beef and Macaroni Soup

Beef Taco Pasta Skillet

This dish lets elbow macaroni come out to play on Taco Tuesday!

Get the recipe: Beef Taco Pasta Skillet

Related: 42 Mexican Crock Pot Recipes

Cajun Pasta Salad

Add a little Cajun kick to your next summer cookout.

Get the recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac n Cheese

Even picky eaters can't argue with chicken, bacon and ranch!

Get the recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac n Cheese

Easy Instant Pot American Goulash

Yes, you can make this classic dish in your Instant Pot!

Get the recipe: Easy Instant Pot American Goulash

Easy Cheesy Macaroni Skillet

A tasty skillet meal that feeds a hungry crowd with leftovers, too.

Get the recipe: Easy Cheesy Macaroni Skillet

Goulash Soup

A new twist on this nostalgic recipe everyone loves.

Get the recipe: Goulash Soup

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Add a tropical twist to your next summer picnic basket.

Get the recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Homemade Beefaroni

Cupcakes and Kale Chips
(Cupcakes and Kale Chips)

You only need five main ingredients to make this childhood classic.

Get the recipe: Homemade Beefaroni

Instant Pot Sausage Mac and Cheese

A weeknight supper made in just minutes.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Sausage Mac and Cheese

Macaroni Beef Saute

A 20-minute meal where everything cooks in the same skillet.

Get the recipe: Macaroni Beef Saute

One-Pot Pesto Chicken Skillet

This simple meal is filled with Italian flavors.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Pesto Chicken Skillet

Related: 28 Fuss-Free Skillet Meals

Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini

Dump everything in the casserole dish and sit in the fridge overnight.

Get the recipe: Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini

Pesto Mac and Cheese

A grown-up version of this childhood classic.

Get the recipe: Pesto Mac and Cheese

Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad

Store-bought pimento cheese is the star of this dish.

Get the recipe: Pimiento Cheese Macaroni Salad

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese With Ham

No need to boil the noodles! They cook right in the slow cooker.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese With Ham

The Best Chili Mac

A hearty, simple meal when you're exhausted and starving.

Get the recipe: The Best Chili Mac

BLT Mac and Cheese

Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
(Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen)

Two classic dishes in on simple, delicious meal.

Get the recipe: BLT Mac and Cheese

The Best Macaroni Salad

Perfect for your next burger night.

Get the recipe: The Best Macaroni Salad

Sausage and White Bean Ragout

Yes, you can entertain with an elbow macaroni dish too.

Get the recipe: Sausage and White Bean Ragout

Macaroni and Tomatoes

Julia's Simply Southern
(Julia's Simply Southern)

An old-time dish that is just as loved today.

Get the recipe: Macaroni and Tomatoes

Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Pasta

A low-carb pasta dish with a homemade Swiss cheese sauce.

Get the recipe: Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Pasta

Related: 55 Best Mushroom Recipes

Jambalaya Pasta With Crawfish and Sausage

If you've never had crawfish, you're in for a real treat.

Get the recipe: Jambalaya Pasta With Crawfish and Sausage

Mac and Cheese Cupcakes

Everyday Mom's Meals
(Everyday Mom's Meals)

A hands-friendly mac and cheese perfect for a party.

Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Cupcakes

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