Pour cold whole milk over raw dry elbow macaroni, paired with 3 pantry staples, into a ceramic casserole dish for a creamy meal that’s my default when I don’t know what to make

For picky eaters, use mild cheddar or a blend of mild cheddar and mozzarella for a gentler flavor and extra stretch. If your family likes a little more richness, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter when you mix the pasta after the first bake. To make it feel a bit more grown-up, add a pinch of black pepper or paprika with the salt, or stir in a handful of grated Parmesan when you mix the pasta. For a crunchy top, toss 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with a teaspoon of olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese before the final bake. You can also stir in small, quick-cooking add-ins—like finely chopped ham, cooked bacon bits, or thawed peas—after the first bake when you’re stirring the pasta, then finish as directed. If you need to stretch the meal, serve the mac and cheese in smaller scoops and round out the plate with extra veggies or a simple salad.