Grown-Up Comfort Classics: Stovetop Mac and Cheese and Turkey Meatloaf

Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison unlock the secrets to Simple Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese. Science expert Dan Souza explains the proper way to use a whisk. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for large saucepans. Next, test cook Becky Hays makes the perfect Turkey Meatloaf with Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze. Finally, gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews lid holders.
Make Our Simple Stovetop Mac and Cheese: cooks.io/2R67xAE
Make Our Turkey Meatloaf with Ketchup-Brown Sugar Glaze: cooks.io/2SAmhEL
Buy Our Winning Large Saucepan: cooks.io/2sbhXQU
ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.
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[@toohundred]

All I can think about is "WHY ARE DAN'S GLASSES NOT SITTING ON HIS EARS!?!?!?" It's complete chaos and I can't focus on what he is saying!!!!

[@cynthiawilliams737]

My go to for a recipe is always America's Test Kitchen & they have never let me down!!

[@samsamson391]

We ALL need more full episodes of ATK on KZbin! There's simply not enough.

[@brettmiddleton7949]

I like them when they're broken into segments. That way you can find the recipe you want, product review you want, etc. without struggling to find the episode you want and then wading through all the stuff that's irrelevant to what you're looking for. Say, for example, I was looking for reviews of lid holders. It would take forever to find this episode since it isn't listed in the title and then I'd have to skip over a recipe, a tutorial on whisking, etc. to get to the information I want.

[@eugenesedita]

Jay Ro, yes , well obviously they're not gonna. It's all about the money. Buy the book, etc.

[@alexwansss]

Tim smacked that whisk on the table like he means it. It's great.

[@AnnaReed42]

I love that the solution to making "healthier" turkey meatloaf taste better is adding fat! 😍

[@GeoffreyAlan]

Love topping Mac and Cheese with panko! I usually toss my panko with melted butter, garlic salt, and Parmesan then put it in the toaster oven to crisp up. The added crunch takes it to the next level.

[@madthumbs1564]

Oven, broiler, salamander; something to take it to a higher level!

[@avibonn5724]

Love the whole show, but my favorite for years has been the equipment reviews.

[@blkwheeler32]

I'm beginning to like the equipment reviews, too.

[@TechGirl84]

I love the taste tests.

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

Only 4 ingredient Mac and Cheese: Water Milk Macaroni American Cheese Cheddar Cheese Cayenne Pepper Dijon Mustard Bread Crumbs Olive Oil Salt Pepper Parmesan

[@chunchoi4434]

It's 4: Liquid Macaroni Seasoning Cheese

[@1tinac]

Ha ha

[@Xelbiuj]

All my recipes only have 3 ingredients. Protons. Neutrons. Electrons

[@YT4Me57]

I'm here for the comments, ROTFL!!!

[@WeggysInfo]

If you don't count water, then you can have a 4 ingredient Mac and cheese. Macaroni Cheddar cheese Sodium citrate Salt It's a very basic mac and cheese.

[@cathyblasco4497]

I use my food processor to pulse up mushrooms. Then I freeze in muffin tins. When frozen, I put them in a freezer bag. Toss a couple of those (defrosted) in the meatloaf mix and you have umami AND moisture.

[@rneustel388]

Cathy Blasco That would be the only way I could get my husband to eat mushrooms!

[@cathyblasco4497]

@@rneustel388 SNEAKY! HAHA!

[@samsamson391]

Ok. Such a pro-tip!! I'm stealing this for the next family gathering. thanks!!

[@cathyblasco4497]

@@samsamson391 thank YOU!!!

[@deliuslyndon8340]

Nice!!

[@techynerdygypsy1731]

I litterally made both the Mac & Cheese and the Turkey Meatloaf... Both were absolutely fantastic. The meatloaf was the most moist turkey meatloaf I've ever had!!! Thank you sooo much for this!!!

[@annedwyer797]

Jacques Pepin said in one of his shows that when he was in training, the master chefs could tell just by the sound the whisk was making against the bowl whether proper technique was being used. I've noticed he almost always whisks by hand...he's had a lot of years of practice! 😘

[@deveus1]

18:09 Becky: "Can you keep an eye on this for me?" Julia: "You bet!" Also Julia: *immediately turns away from the saucepan and ignores it completely for the entire time*

[@jen93106]

😆 Didn’t even notice that until after I had read your comment! It hit me as I was watching the second time around while making the meatloaf! Thanks for the laugh!

[@mrsheatherteske]

🤣🤣 hilarious. So true. Even standing over it she never looks again!

[@pantopia3518]

😂😂😂

[@lisarister7816]

😂

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

That's what production assistants are for!

[@Gingergent07]

Just made the turkey meatloaf and wow! So juice and tender. Everyone loved it, especially the sauce. As someone who’s giving up beef, this was a great alternative. No one knew it wasn’t beef until I told them

[@susandooley9630]

My mom & I have ALWAYS used oatmeal in meatloaf & made it free form. I never knew any other way & I’m 65!! I’m also seriously thinking of trying that Mac & cheese, that looks GOOD!!

[@madthumbs1564]

Trade off; more glaze or more fat. I thought the cheese sauce looked too thin and didn't complement the ridges on the macaroni. They also didn't specify brands which can be very important. Cooper sharp American blows away any other sharp American I know of.

[@andrewsawler777]

@@madthumbs1564 LOVE Cooper Sharp American, but in this recipe the American Cheese is for texture more than flavor; the sharp cheddar provides the real mac n cheese flavor. I made this and found the sauce to be just right, rich and creamy, not thick and gooey. Quick, easy and delicious. Don't skip the toasted panko crumb topping!

[@brat46]

I have always added oatmeal to my meatloafs too. Allergies don't allow the onions and garlic though, never was fond of Worcestershire sauce.

[@littleblizzard7591]

Use Land O Lakes deli American cheese! The consistency is perfect! Boar’s Head deli American cheese has too much whey, our cheese sauce’s consistency was clumpy. I’ve made this recipe 5 times now and Land O Lakes brand works every time!

[@Frostbyt3zGaming]

I remember watching ATK on PBS and I gotta say, most of the cast doesn't look like they have aged a day.

[@KeishaFye___]

ikr, all that good food kept them healthy and happy.

[@Indiegirl007]

Stop that lying. 😋 I love this show, and I've been watching them since the 4th grade. But it's apparent that we all have gotten older. Lol.

[@fockewulf2352]

The ladies look hotter now than when the skinny guy ran the show.

[@loridennis2989]

The ladies have gained a few pounds but who wouldn't?

[@saika.magoichi.214]

Same! I watch them every Saturday afternoon growing up and they look almost exactly the same

[@audreywy1743]

love the NKOTB reference. I've been using this recipe for years, I love it.

[@Jupe367]

What a dream job to work for America's Test Kitchen.

[@LadyLJOII]

Hello, Bridget, Julia and everyone at the Test Kitchen and on here. I grew up a picky eater, I think I was actually born that way. :-) Two things about traditional Meatloaf I cannot abide; Oats and Ketchup Glaze. No way. Outta the bowl. Cannot stand Worchestershire Sauce or fish either. No. A-1 takes the place of W Sauce. Whether I use 1 lb Ground Turkey (Either the White Meat Only or Mixture) or Beef or a combination, I use IN the meatloaf what I call The Binder. The Binder 1 Egg, beaten, 1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs, 1 Tbls Sour Cream, 1 Tbls each Ketchup, Mustard, A-1 Sauce (yessir), and a special ingredient; 1/2 Cup Premade cooled Mashed Potatoes and these should be the thick version of mashed potatoes. The potatoes moisten the meat mixture perfectly. Yessssss. Sprinkle Salt on the mixture similar to when you fry a burger, Pepper, any other flavorings you like. Want it Extra Special? 1/4 Cup Parmesan or 4 Italian Type Cheese Mixture. You can add tender cooked onion, garlic or other aromatics to the Binder, but I prefer them not in the mixture. Mix the Binder, then break up the turkey or beef into and mix well. I spread in a 9x9 inch pan, MORE CARMELIZING. Ou yeah. I have used a loaf pan, it just takes a little longer to cook through. Bake in 375 oven for about 40 minutes (til juices are clear and top is browned). And for Heaven's sake, DO NOT DRAIN THE FAT OFF> let it go back into the meat. Yeah. Let it set for a few minutes, then enjoy. You can add a glaze on top before baking, but I prefer just the browning. Glazing can poach the meat underneath. I don't like poached ground beef or turkey. BROWNING. All about the browning. I learned the mashed potato trick from a Swedish American Cookbook for Swedish Meatballs. Yeah. Jah Gute.

[@ANF-kq1fk]

I am gluten intolerant so I only cook with pure whole ingredients. I watch your sho every day as you pay attention to every detail so the results are perfectly delicious. My cooking has become so improved with good quality ingredients and the knowledge that you impart in your segments. Thanks you and I'll keep watching. Ann

[@roberttelarket4934]

Love seeing Becky and Adam!

[@lisaboban]

Hurray!! Glad to have you guys back!!!!

[@raymondreyes9495]

The greatest cooking program ever. That’s all

[@judibickford5306]

Hello to "The Other Cooking Julia" and Bridget! I'm thinking about making the mac and cheese and the meatloaf. I've been watching ATK since the beginning. Keep up the MAGIC ladies!

[@carolbenson6524]

These girls know what they are doing! Definitely will try this.

[@littleblizzard7591]

I’ve made the mac & cheese twice now, it’s delicious and a crowd pleaser! It’s 100x easier than making a separate cheese sauce and it’s very quick! Update: we still love this recipe! Land O Lakes deli sliced American cheese works perfectly! Boar’s Head deli sliced American cheese has too much whey and the sauce came out clumpy.

[@larryzarankin6762]

You two are the best we do need more full episode's

[@buggyridge]

You folks are awesome! Part of my daily cooking education. Thank you!

[@cboy5oc]

I have been putting oats in my turkey meatloaf for twenty years. Also, I use grated carrots for moisture.

[@protocolofficer2629]

Always a pleasure watching you. I learn so much and I aint young. Cheers, Colin.

[@jenlynnp2558]

Made this Mac and cheese last night on the stovetop and boy I’m never doing the baked version ever again. Only one pot to clean up my husband and 5yr old son ate it all up ! I served it with stewed tomatoes and the panko topping. This recipe is a keeper thanks so much !

[@suzanne4504]

I have used Revere ware forever and have never been disappointed.

[@hollym5873]

Love these videos. Thanks to all

[@Kathleen5429]

Love you two! Thanks for all your great recipes.

[@deborahcaldwell9775]

Soooooo interesting- everything

[@tahaachannel7061]

Delicious, I’m glad to find you on KZbin, now I can watch America’s Test Kitchen anytime I want. 😀

[@keithgrant122]

Love everything you create! You are a Great Team of Teaching and demonstrating. Love the Chemistry of the Chef's too! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥰💛✨

[@annedwyer797]

Gonna try the mac and cheese recipe, looks easy and delish. Hardly more effort than Kraft out of a box!

[@jcfretts]

I love this turkey meatloaf recipe. It's so good.

[@BRADSPIG]

I really appreciate the equipment reviews with all the other good stuff.

[@MHarenArt]

Your turkey meatloaf is very similar mine. I use a couple of different things for moisture. In addition to most of the ingredients you used I add about 2 T of mayonnaise to the meat mixture (mine is usually one pound), and I add a good cup full of finely diced sauteed mushrooms. They surprisingly do not make the meatloaf taste mushroomy, but it does add another level of umami. And as they are diced so finely, most people would not even know they were in there. The worcestershire sauce is a must and I've been known to use one or two drops of liquid smoke. The saucy topping is pretty much the same too but I add a bit of dried crushed basil.

[@Cee1505]

I only had four people for Thanksgiving and made this-WE LOVED IT and I've made it many times since!

[@cherylanderson3340]

Love it! Mac 'n Cheese in one pot. This is a big victory for Mom's! For times when I'm out of my favorite grass fed organic milk, shelf stable powdered coconut milk + boiling water is a great substitute, so that's yet another option. After making turkey meatballs a few times, I realized I didn't like it tasting so much like turkey, for some reason. So next time, I bought roughly equal amounts of turkey & chicken, which subdues the turkey flavor, plus adds some fat. I like it & have since used that for meatballs & crumbled in tacos, several times, so would like it in a meatloaf. Since then, I've considered trying some pork or beef with the poultry blend, to add more fat, & play with the flavor, but haven't yet. Also, instead of packaged white bread crumbs I use 1 or 2 slices of a multi-whole grain loaf bread, or an Ezekiel bread, depending on the volume of meat. My mom had made a similar sauce when making her delicious meatloaf, & then draped strips of bacon over the top, which browned & also basted the loaf. Bacon strips might enhance a turkey meatloaf as well.

[@daisyyang8460]

P

[@kalijasin]

Thanks ladies 😊

[@jdm643]

Its so great to have two beautiful girls hosting the show now. I really liked Mr. Bowtie but you girls make me wanna watch the show even more. Thanks Bridget & Julia.

[@pianistajs]

Also, about the saucepans - some of us still use copper pans and our grandparents and ancient kin, mainly women, used them exclusively because that's what was available. If a 4lb. pan is heavy to you, know your grandmothers are judging you

[@sr9000]

I learned so much ! All I can say Wow and of course the food looked mouth watering good. Im hooked.

[@myhappynest6125]

I made this Mac and cheese today. It was delicious and so easy. Thanks 😋

[@michaelmercuri4884]

Bridget, is a goddess never miss the show.

[@Cee1505]

I have made the Turkey Meatloaf over and over-It's a family favorite!

[@crystalwright1504]

I typically only like the boxed mac'n'cheese but this looks good enough to try. Thanks for the video!

[@nancypereida2078]

I am so loving that I discovered your KZbin channel!!!

[@wandamazzulo779]

Love this 2 girls together awesome, thank uuuuuu so much

[@marymagness7467]

Yummy meatloaf using turkey. Brilliant! Looks so good. I will try it.

[@gena7359]

Love the mac and cheese! We had it with dinner tonight. It was super! Thank you!

[@herbalife4eversc]

I liked very much these 2 recipes. Especially mac n cheese.

[@kristinwright6632]

The mac and cheese my mother made was stovetop. She cooked the mac, drained it, poured in some milk and added american cheese and butter. This is just an upscale version of that. I loved her mac and cheese.

[@marilynsedita1902]

Very delicious recipes that I will definitely try ! Thank you :-)

[@carmencandelario1724]

Love the stovetop Mac and cheese and any other stovetop recipes, like cornbread. Thank you 😊

[@SuperBigDog2U]

Gonna try the turkey meatloaf. Looks very good.

[@beamu9590]

Love😱yoU girls💕🌸🇩🇴love to cook and eat, and the best is to see people eating your food and say ooh is so good😍that feels like heaven 🇩🇴🌸💕

[@amymckay3826]

I love this channel! I just discovered it. Keep them coming:)

[@junglepitts]

This turkey meatloaf is one of the best I have ever made! 👍

[@bubba1343]

The show is awesome. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍

[@robsemail]

I tried this mac & cheese and I love it!! ATK is probably the best cooking channel on youtube, but four ingredients? Which ones are you actually counting? I lost count at nine.

[@scottkrempel3005]

you need the american slices first because the sodium citrate will keep the whole cheese from breaking. you can add sodium citrate to any cheese for the same effect without american cheese.

[@wing3389]

Well they nailed it again. I made their Mac and Cheese for lunch today and it was delicious. Restaurant quality and super fast to make. Thank you for sharing this great recipe and others. .

[@sharinnadmello816]

Fantastic recipes as in India we generally cook on the stove top and you guys are great. Very few show stove top dishes and easy to follow as sometimes we don't get all ingredients. But so far very helpful dishes. Thanks 👍

[@PumpkinVine25]

thanks for the meat loaf recipe i like to use ground chicken and it come's out like the turkey a dry brick so i will definitely try this

[@brettito]

Dan told me that American Cheese contains Calcium Citrate that helps it make the cheese melt easier. :D

[@juansierralonche9864]

Brett Carroll OMG Dan told me that too. I wonder who else Dan has been talking to!

[@JohnDoe-ix6my]

sodium citrate you mean

[@vanessacarr8849]

Love, love, love your channel!

[@cstephen98]

First meatloaf recipe I've seen using quick oats, which is what we always used for beef meatloaf (soaked in milk) :)

[@johntyy88]

I started adding a cube of chicken bouillon to my mac n cheese sauce - everyone loved it and demands that recipe now. I agree on the American cheese. The best way to go for creamy and won't separate.

[@auberjean6873]

Thanks Julia and Bridget, for a quick and easy mac & cheese! Ever since my favorite deluxe boxed cream sauce mac & cheese added HFCS (who needs sugar in m&c?) I've tried many recipes and cheese combinations but none of them were just right. THIS looks promising without Bechamel! Can't wait to try it. Keep up the puns and great work. Also love the reviews and techniques, guys!

[@marvinmcmiller6238]

Looks good. Monday i am cooking some mac&cheese on my smoker. Over charcoal and hickory woodfire. low and slow.

[@MikeA15206]

I have made the turkey meatloaf three times now. It is really good!

[@lylegorch5956]

Love you guys, but I'll give up my gruyere when you pry it from my cold dead fat fingers....

[@madthumbs1564]

Try Cooper Sharp American if you haven't. The deli I work at would give you a free sample for asking.

[@S7J7P7]

🙂I would never take your cheese. I would however show you some American cheese made in Vermont and some from Wisconsin. 🤫😂 We can’t all be Austrian or Swiss Gruyere!!!!

[@lylegorch5956]

I'm way down with the Vermont, Wisconsin, and Cowgirl Creamery, etc. etc., just NOT any kind of "''american cheese' product". Seeya!@@S7J7P7

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Thanks. I might try the meatloaf tonight!

[@tawpgk]

I was expecting to hear sodium citrate in the list, but I guess that's what they are using the american cheese for it's "emulsifying salts" I tried the citrate and it works marvelously with real cheeses like cheddar. But this is a nice hack with stuff people might normally have

[@4plus4equalsmoo]

vinegar legates unite

[@NineteenHand]

Whey too thick...This channel keeps delivering! When Joe slammed down that whisk I also spit my coffee. The nuggets of comedy on this channel keep me coming back

[@paitoonkhemapanon9692]

O my goodness love it thanks so much

[@Jackie-on5qr]

Mac & cheese fantastic on the stove for ingredients can’t wait to make it🤩

[@maryannsmith.2123]

HELLO, THAT LOOKS REALLY GOOD.

[@pedrovargas9511]

You are the best! Love your videos

[@jaythompson7149]

Sorry ladies. I've had similar recipes many times and they are wonderful. But the BEST mac and cheese (in my opinion, deferring to my grandmother and my mom) has to be baked with sauteed onion, extra very old cheddar added during the baking so it becomes crispy around the edges before searving. It is less creamy. More solid, but not too much. Try it some time. Amazing! Love and respect to you both! J

[@RubyTwilite]

This is the BEST Mac n Cheese! But for some strange reason it is different from the recipe in their big cookbook. I've been making this for 2yrs now and its hands down the BEST.

[@user-yf4bx4zv5b]

謝謝！ 雖然看起來很肥，但是吃起來真滿足。

[@JamesCarneval]

5:44 THAT'S WHAT GOOD 😺 SOUNDS LIKE

[@peacenow4456]

Love these gals! Looks so good!

[@kelperdude]

I've always used oats in every meatloaf. It's the best.

[@donsebas6554]

Stove top mac and cheese has been around for quite a looong time :)

[@bart234465]

Becky cured my depression

[@deb3834]

I always use oatmeal and worchestershire in my meatloaf beef or turkey. The light and dark turkey was new info. for me. so was the baking soda in the onions.

[@nancyasare87]

That's nice and mouth watering.

[@mskittyjudy6943]

I'm going to try it asap.

[@moogiealways3016]

That turkey meatloaf recipe looks great.

[@nikkarter5578]

Delectable, I'm sure 😍

[@elizabethshaw734]

American cheese in colonial days was known as American cheddar. It was made using the cheddaring process and this is what they ended up with but not so emulsified.

[@DebadooCreates]

This is very close to how I make Mac & Cheese, but have never cooked the pasta like that. I think I'll try though. I've never liked the ones that have a roux base. So interesting about the whisking!!

[@allantow6371]

They rock!

[@janpetersen750]

We’re having the one-pot mac n cheese for lunch! Can’t wait!