These days everyone is pressed for time but don't let that keep you and your family from having a hot, home cooked meal. This macaroni casserole takes hardly any time to whip up. Pop it in the oven and your done. In just an hour, you'll have a hot tasty meal ready to put on the table.
This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. It can be made with or without meat added, you can even add sauteed veggies (it's a great way to trick picky eaters into getting their vegetables). Kids as well as adults love this meal. Serve a salad on the side and you're all set.
You can also top the casserole with a sauce if desired. Spaghetti sauce, cream sauce or even chicken gravy. Let your imagination lead you, the possibilities are endless for this simple and tasty dish.
Baked Macaroni Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz elbow macaroni (Uncooked)
- 1 1/2 c heavy cream (milk or evaporated milk can be substituted)
- 1 1/2 c herb stuffing
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 c shredded sharp cheddar
- 3 egg yolks
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 c diced ham
- 1 c sauteed mushrooms
- 1 c diced cooked sausage
- 1 c sauteed vegetables or steamed broccoli (very well drained)
- 3 diced hot dogs
- 1/2 c diced pepperoni
Method:
- Heat cream or milk over med heat just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add butter.
- Pour milk over stuffing and allow to soak.
- Boil macaroni according to package directions.
- While macaroni is cooking, pre-heat oven to 350.
- Grease loaf pan or line with parchment.
- Place egg yolks in a large mixing bowl and beat well.
- Add in parsley, onion powder,salt and cheese. Mix well to moisten all ingredients.
- When macaroni is cooked, drain well. After draining, pour macaroni into egg mixture.
- Add any of the desired optional ingredients at this point.
- Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 hour, covering with foil for last 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and turn out of pan onto serving plate.
After casserole has been removed from the oven, top with a sauce if desired.
Southwest Style Macaroni Casserole:
To make a southwest style casserole, follow the above recipe and add:
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp diced pickled jalapeno
Substitute:
- 1 1/2 c cubed bread for 1 1/2 c herb stuffing
- 1 tbsp cilantro for 1 tbsp parsley
After casserole has been removed from oven, top with salsa. If desired 1 c shredded monterey jack cheese can be sprinkled on top of casserole. Southwest Casserole is also tasty topped with chili.
