Who says mac & cheese is only for kids! This Copycat Outback Steakhouse Mac-A-Roo is so popular, it’s a mac and cheese recipe that is always asked about and requested. And it only takes about 30 minutes to make at home.
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Why Copycat Outback Steakhouse Mac A Roo and Cheese is so good
What sets this mac and cheese recipe apart is the heavy cream. It’s made with heavy cream instead of milk, although you can use milk if you want. But the heavy cream is what makes this recipe so creamy. I have also made it with half-and-half and whole milk with great results.
If you have ever been to the Outback Steakhouse you have noticed this recipe is only on the children’s menu but why should children have all of the fun? When I order takeout, I will always add an order of their Mac a Roo so I can have it at home. It’s that good.
Let’s Get Cooking – Easy Macaroni and Cheese
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Mac A Roo is so simple to make. You basically need to cook pasta and add Velveeta cheese and heavy cream.
Here’s exactly what you need:
- 2 pounds Penne Pasta
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
That’s it! You will love this recipe as much as your kids do.
Notes
- If you pick up a block of Velveeta cheese, make sure you cut it into small pieces to make it easier to melt in the saucepan.
- While melting the cheese and heavy cream together, keep the heat on low. You will not want this to boil or burn.
- Make a big batch of the Mac A Roo N Cheese– it will never go to waste and it re-heats nicely for other meals.
What to Serve with Mac A Roo
Let’s face it, mac ‘n cheese goes with just about everything. Pair it with burgers or fried chicken or even eat it all by itself. There isn’t a main dish you can’t serve this Mac A Roo with.
Do you love Outback Steakhouse? Make your favorites at home!
Be sure to check out these copycat Outback Steakhouse recipes that taste just like they do at the restaurant.
- How to Make a Bloomin Onion
- Onion Ring Dip for Bloomin Onion
- Copycat Chicken Quesadilla
- Alice Chicken Outback Recipe
- Dill Sauce for Steak
- Salt Baked Potatoes
- Outback Cinnamon Butter and Sweet Potato
More Cheesy Side Dish Recipes
Because everyone loves cheese!
- Cheesy Creamed Corn
- Cheese Broccoli
- Cheesy Cauliflower
- Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Instant Potatoes
- Swiss Cheese Asparagus Casserole
Take a look at more of my famous recipes from restaurants and easy side dish recipes too.
What do you like to eat with your Mac ‘N Cheese? Let us know in the comments below.
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Copycat Outback Steakhouse Mac A Roo
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry penne pasta
- 8 ounce Velveeta cheese cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Cube Velveeta in small pieces, so it can melt easily. In a small saucepan, combined cubed Velveeta cheese, and heavy cream. Turn the heat on low and stir until all cheese is melted. Reduce the heat to simmer until you are ready to combine with the pasta.
- Once pasta is done, pour back into the pot where it was cooked; add sauce and mix well.
Video
Recipe Tips for the Cook
- If you pick up a block of Velveeta cheese, make sure you cut it into small pieces to make it easier to melt in the saucepan.
- While melting the cheese and heavy cream together, keep the heat on low. You will not want this to boil or burn.
- Make a big batch of the Mac A Roo -- it will never go to waste and it re-heats nicely for other meals.
Christa
Thank you for having the old school recipe!!! I’m 27 and as a kid the Mac and cheese was always my favorite, it used to come in a huge bowl, now it’s only on the kids menu, and so much less. I was absolutely devastated when I took my son there and found they change it. So thank you for the REAL recipe and the nostalgia. It was delicious, and so much better then what they have now!
Ashley
Yes!!! This is the old recipe and we made it and were so excited. It tastes exactly like the one from when I was little. Makes me think of my childhood.
paul gilpin
well i ate at the outback on 71st in tulsa for 14 years. saw the prices go up and the portions go down. i also had seniority over the manager.
funny though, they called this “kidsmac”.
Sunny
I worked at outback for 13 years, and my husband was the kitchen manger. This is exactly how they made it. Nothing spicy, etc!
Kristy
So delicious and simple to make! Kids kept asking for more and more.
Thank you.
Vanessa
We loved it! Just made it for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. Thank you for sharing!!
Leslie
Taking anything out of waitstaff pockets is a nasty form of robbery. If you can’t leave a 20% tip don’t eat out!
Lana
Well a 20% tip is something that should be earned. Don’t have the attitude that you deserve 20% right off the bat. I agree that people shouldn’t be leaving no tip but it’s obnoxious to expect 20%, regardless of service. I tip based on service (10%- poor; 15%- average; 18%- good; 20%- excellent).
carol
Sorry this receipe is not correct….They hardly put a ton of cheese and they put this distinct seasoning on it to make it spicy but it delicious. The mac and cheese did not look like there was velveeta cheese nor heavy cream on it. I was there last week.
Katie
That is because this is the old BETTER recipe. I have been a customer at Outback since I was 4 and I am now 20 and am very disappointed that they changed the recipe.
Dominique Raye
Exactly, Katie!
It was my favorite food up until they changed it.
Very disappointed with the new mac and cheese…
Can’t believe the recipe is so simple!
Why would they change it when it was already amazing and I’m sure way simpler than the new stuff?!?!
Anyway, thanks Stephanie!
You a have restored a very small but important piece of my childhood. ♡
Jessica McCarthy
Order the kids macaroni the new one is indeed different. But the kids Mac a roo ni is what you’re thinking of.
20st11
This recipe is great. I salt the water to add a bit of flavor to the noodles. I also found the sauce was a little thick for my liking so I added a bit of milk, and it is great! Thanks for posting.
3Angels
Velveeta cheese? Wow, what a disappointment!!
stephaniemanley
Have you tried their Macaroni and Cheese? I think everything has its place, even Velveeta.