Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a real roux — no powder packets. Kids stir the sauce and watch it transform from milk into something magical. Better than the box, and now they know why.
Difficulty
Medium
Prep
5 min
Cook
20 min
Total
25 min
Ages
4+
Batch size
Servings
6
Estimated cost (Walmart.com, Aug 2026)
~$21.20
total recipe
~$3.53
per serving
Prices checked at Walmart.com on Aug 2026. Based on full package costs — you may already have some of these ingredients on hand.
Ingredients
Check off what you already have
1 lb box Elbow macaroni
~$1.18
Great Value, 16 oz box
Prep
None
Store the rest
Reseal the box or transfer to an airtight container. Keeps in a dry pantry for over a year.
4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
~$3.06
Great Value, 16 oz (4 sticks)
Prep
None
Store the rest
Wrap remaining sticks tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 months, or freeze for up to 6 months.
3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
~$2.38
Great Value, 5 lb bag
Prep
None
Store the rest
Seal the bag or transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 8 months.
2 1/2 cups Whole milk
~$2.92
Great Value Whole Vitamin D, 1 gallon
Prep
None
Store the rest
Refrigerate immediately. Use within 7 days of opening.
3 cups shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
~$4.47
Great Value Sharp Cheddar Block, 16 oz (buy 2)
Prep
Shred from a block using a box grater (~5 min)
Store the rest
Wrap remaining cheese tightly in plastic wrap or reseal. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
~$1.97
Great Value, 12 oz bottle
Prep
None
Store the rest
Refrigerate after opening. Lasts about a year.
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
~$1.27
Great Value, 3.12 oz
Prep
None
Store the rest
Keep the lid sealed. Store in a cool, dry place. Stays potent for about a year.
1 teaspoon Salt
~$0.97
Great Value Iodized, 26 oz
Prep
None
Store the rest
Keep in the original container. Salt does not expire.
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
~$2.98
Great Value, 3 oz container
Prep
None
Store the rest
Keep the lid sealed. Store in a cool, dry spot. Stays potent for 2-3 years.