Best 4 Hearty Macaroni Casserole Recipes

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When the weather outside is cold and gloomy, nothing can satisfy your cravings like a hot, hearty bowl of macaroni casserole. This classic comfort food is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It's cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out. With so many variations of the recipe available, finding the one that suits your taste buds can be a delightful adventure. Let's dive into the world of hearty macaroni casserole and unravel the secrets to creating a truly satisfying and memorable dish!

Let's cook with our recipes!

HEARTY PASTA CASSEROLE



Hearty Pasta Casserole image

Loaded with colorful, flavorful roasted veggies, this recipe became an instant hit with us when it was developed in the Country Woman test kitchen. This rustic Italian-inspired casserole is also the perfect main dish "to go": it transports easily and retains heat well. A great make-ahead, too!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash
1/2 pound fresh brussels sprouts, halved
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 package (13-1/4 ounces) whole wheat penne pasta
1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Italian stewed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/3 cup shredded Asiago cheese, divided

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the squash, brussels sprouts and onion; drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Spread vegetables in a single layer in two 15x10x1-in. baking pans coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 30-40 minutes or until tender. , Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. In a large nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer; drain. Add tomatoes and tomato paste; cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. , Drain pasta and return to the pan. Add sausage mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Asiago and roasted vegetables. , Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 416 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 816mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

EASY MACARONI CASSEROLE



Easy Macaroni Casserole image

Make and share this Easy Macaroni Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by MsBaton

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 bell pepper
1 cup celery
1 cup onion
1 cup tomatoes
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup margarine
1 (16 ounce) package of grated cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook macaroni and drain.
  • Chop up onion, bell pepper and celery into small pieces.
  • In skillet, melt butter and cook onions, celery, and bell pepper in butter until tender.
  • Then add tomatoes and soup.
  • Cook about three to five minutes longer.
  • In casserole dish put a layer of macaroni, a layer of soup mixture, and a layer of cheese.
  • Repeat layers, ending with cheese on the top.
  • Bake until cheese melts.

HEARTY MACARONI CASSEROLE



Hearty Macaroni Casserole image

Give Jack Frost the cold shoulder by setting a comforting hot dish on the table. This hearty meal-in-one will satisfy even the biggest of appetites. Enjoy one casserole and freeze the other, or serve them both when entertaining. -Joy Sauers, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 2 casseroles (4 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 package (7-1/4 ounces) macaroni and cheese dinner mix
1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup French-fried onions

Steps:

  • Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add to prepared macaroni. Stir in tomatoes., Divide half of mixture between two greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dishes; sprinkle each with 1/2 cup cheese. Top with remaining mixture., Sprinkle remaining cheese over one casserole. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Sprinkle the second casserole with French-fried onions. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through., To use frozen casserole: Completely thaw in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470 calories, Fat 29g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 115mg cholesterol, Sodium 795mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

MACARONI AND BEEF CASSEROLE



Macaroni and Beef Casserole image

This homey casserole was developed by Pierre Franey in 1991 for the 60-Minute Gourmet column. It is hearty sustenance that evokes memories of childhood and sweater weather. Its preparation is simple, but its flavors veer elegant. Sauté onions, celery, green peppers and garlic. Add the meat, then oregano, basil and tomatoes. Whisk together a quick Cheddar cheese bechamel that's seasoned with cayenne and nutmeg then pour it on top. At the last minute, sprinkle a little Parmesan on top and slide it under a broiler to brown. Serve with crisp green salad and a hunk of French bread. Comfort food at its finest.

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, casseroles, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 quarts water
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 pound lean ground beef chuck or round steak
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley
1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups cubed or shredded Cheddar cheese
Cayenne pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring the water with salt to a boil. Add the macaroni; stir and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • In a skillet, heat the oil and add the onions, celery, green pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring, until wilted. Add the meat, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the meat loses its red color. Add the oregano, basil and tomatoes. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the cooked macaroni. Blend well and set aside. Keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan, and stir in the flour with a wire whisk until well-blended. Add the milk, stirring rapidly, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the sauce from the heat, and stir in the Cheddar cheese, cayenne, nutmeg, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Spoon the macaroni mixture into a baking dish measuring 7 by 10 by 2 1/2 inches. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the macaroni mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and place under the broiler (about 4 to 5 inches from the heat source) until it is hot, bubbling and lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 763, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fat 41 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 52 grams, SaturatedFat 21 grams, Sodium 2138 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 1 gram

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  • Add a protein boost to the casserole by including cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage.
  • For a vegetarian version, use tofu, tempeh, or beans instead of meat.
  • Add some vegetables to the casserole for a healthier and more flavorful dish. Try broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or peas.
  • If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the casserole before baking.
  • To make the casserole ahead of time, assemble it and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake it, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Conclusion:

Macaroni casserole is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your own tastes. With so many different recipes to choose from, you're sure to find one that you'll love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni casserole a try!

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