Great Value Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
Our Great Value Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner brings the classic comfort food you crave to your table in just minutes. Each box contains tender elbow macaroni and our signature cheese sauce mix that creates a rich, creamy texture families have loved for years.
We designed this mac and cheese to deliver consistent quality at a price that fits your budget. Whether you’re feeding kids after school, preparing a quick weeknight side dish, or satisfying your own comfort food craving, our original recipe offers the perfect balance of cheesy flavor and satisfying pasta texture. Made with real cheese and no artificial flavors, this pantry staple serves up to four people and pairs beautifully with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
What makes our mac & cheese special
Simple Preparation & Cooking Instructions
Making our Great Value mac and cheese couldn’t be easier. Start by boiling 6 cups of water in a medium saucepan, then add the macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender. Drain the pasta and return it to the pan.
Add 4 tablespoons of butter (or margarine) and ¼ cup of milk to the hot macaroni, then stir in the entire cheese sauce packet. Mix everything together for about 900 seconds total cooking time from water to finished dish. The result is creamy, perfectly coated pasta that holds its texture whether served immediately or saved as leftovers. For a creamier consistency, add an extra tablespoon of milk. For families looking to boost nutrition, try stirring in steamed broccoli, peas, or diced ham after mixing in the cheese sauce.
Nutritional Information & Ingredients
Each prepared serving of Great Value Original Macaroni & Cheese provides essential nutrients your family needs. One cup of prepared mac and cheese contains 400 calories, with 18 grams of protein and 20% of your daily calcium requirement.
Our macaroni is made from enriched wheat flour fortified with niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. The cheese sauce mix contains real cheddar and Romano cheeses, whey, and natural flavoring with no artificial colors or flavors. We also offer whole grain varieties for those seeking additional fiber in their diet. This product contains wheat and milk ingredients, so please check with household members about any dietary restrictions before preparing.
Storage & Shelf Life
Pantry Storage
Store unopened boxes of Great Value mac and cheese in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight and moisture. Our boxes maintain peak quality for 12-18 months when stored properly, making them perfect for stocking up during sales or keeping on hand for emergency meals.
Once prepared, store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture, or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. The cheese sauce may thicken in the refrigerator, but adding liquid during reheating brings back the original consistency.
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Questions About Great Value Mac & Cheese
Great Value Original Macaroni & Cheese is ready in approximately 900 seconds (15 minutes) from start to finish. This includes the time to boil water, cook the macaroni for 7-8 minutes, drain, and mix in the butter, milk, and cheese sauce packet. It’s one of the quickest comfort food options available for busy families.
For even faster preparation, you can use the microwave method. Combine macaroni and water in a microwave-safe bowl, cook on high for 8-10 minutes, drain, and stir in the remaining ingredients.
You’ll need just two simple ingredients: 4 tablespoons of butter (or margarine) and ¼ cup of milk. These additions create the creamy sauce consistency that makes mac and cheese so satisfying.
For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat milk or even unsweetened almond milk. Some families use olive oil instead of butter for a different flavor profile. The cheese sauce packet and macaroni are included in every box.
Each 7.25 oz box makes approximately 3 cups of prepared macaroni and cheese, which equals about 3-4 side dish servings or 2 main course servings. The exact number depends on portion sizes and appetites in your household.
If you’re serving mac and cheese as a main dish with minimal sides, plan on one box per two people. For side dishes at larger meals, one box can easily serve four. Many families prepare multiple boxes for gatherings or to ensure leftovers.
Yes, though the texture will differ slightly. You can substitute the milk with water, chicken or vegetable broth, sour cream, or cream cheese for different flavor profiles. Using plain water creates a less creamy consistency, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon of butter.
Non-dairy milk alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk work well too. Start with the same ¼ cup measurement and adjust based on your preferred thickness. The cheese sauce packet will still deliver plenty of flavor regardless of your liquid choice.
Yes, our cheese sauce mix contains real cheddar and Romano cheeses along with whey and milk ingredients. We use no artificial flavors in our original recipe, ensuring you get authentic cheese taste in every bite.
The sauce mix is specially formulated to create a smooth, creamy texture when combined with butter and milk. While the cheese is in powdered form for shelf stability, it reconstitutes into genuine cheese sauce during preparation.
Transfer leftover mac and cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. The cheese sauce may appear thick when cold but returns to creamy consistency with added moisture and gentle heat.
Great Value Original uses elbow macaroni and our classic cheese sauce powder that requires butter and milk. Our <a href=”/great-value-deluxe-mac-cheese/”>Deluxe variety</a> features shell pasta and a pre-made cheese sauce pouch that creates an extra-thick, restaurant-style consistency.
The Original is more economical and offers the traditional mac and cheese experience most families grew up with. Deluxe provides a richer, creamier result with less preparation effort. Both deliver excellent value and authentic cheese flavor.