Macaroni Casserole Recipe
Macaroni casserole: the love child of mac ‘n’ cheese and a hearty, comforting bake. If you’re tired of the same old, this dish is your ticket to food nirvana. Layers of pasta, cheese, and whatever else you can throw in, baked to melty perfection. It’s the ultimate in lazy cooking: throw things together, bake, and pretend you’ve spent hours crafting a masterpiece. Not that anyone will complain when they taste it. Seriously, it’s an easy way to make a simple pasta dish feel like a luxurious comfort meal. Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s dive into this cheesy, bubbly masterpiece.
Macaroni Casserole Recipe
A cheesy, baked macaroni casserole featuring creamy layers of pasta, cheese, and optional additions like meat or vegetables. Easy, comforting, and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup cooked chicken optional
- ½ cup breadcrumbs for topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in half the cheddar cheese and mix until melted.
- Combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and cooked chicken (if using) in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
Vitamins and Minerals (Approximate Values Per Serving):
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 4%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 8%
- Phosphorus: 12%
Additional Notes & Tips:
- Add some cooked bacon for extra flavor (because why not?).
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a fun twist.
- If you want a spicier version, toss in some hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Make it ahead and freeze it for a future lazy day!
