Best 6 Easy Italian Macaroni Casserole Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with our collection of easy Italian macaroni casserole recipes. These hearty and comforting dishes are a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that will tantalize your taste buds. From the classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese with its golden crust and gooey interior to the innovative Macaroni and Sausage Casserole with its savory blend of spices, our recipes offer a diverse range of options to suit every palate.

Indulge in the creamy richness of the Four Cheese Macaroni Casserole, a symphony of cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, or savor the rustic charm of the Italian Sausage and Peppers Macaroni Casserole, where juicy sausage and colorful peppers dance together in a flavorful embrace. For a vegetarian delight, try the Spinach and Ricotta Macaroni Casserole, a delightful combination of tender spinach, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY ITALIAN MACARONI CASSEROLE



EASY ITALIAN MACARONI CASSEROLE image

An easy comforting dish when you are craving Italian without all the fuss. Enjoy with a side Salad and Garlic Bread

Provided by Rhonda O

Categories     Casseroles

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 oz ground sirloin
4 oz ground italian sausage
1 c cooked elbow macaroni
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp basil, dried
1/2 tsp oregano, dried
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp grated parmesan, romano, asiago cheese
1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
1 3/4 c pasta sauce of choice

Steps:

  • 1. Brown ground sirloin, Italian sausage and dried spices in a pan on the stove top. Cook macaroni in boiling water for 11 minutes, Drain in colander and run cold water over macaroni.
  • 2. Add cooked meat to a mixing bowl along with pasta sauce, macaroni and stir to combine. Pour in to a 9 x 6 baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • 3. Top with the parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

ITALIAN-INSPIRED CASSEROLE



Italian-Inspired Casserole image

I come from a huge family, and it seems there is always a potluck occasion. No matter what time of year, this hearty, crowd-pleasing Italian casserole is always a hit. It's easy to make and serve. -Rita Goshaw, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 16-20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1-1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cans (8-3/4 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 package (16 ounces) wide noodles, cooked and drained
8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook sausage, beef, onion and green pepper until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add corn and olives. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in noodles. , Pour into two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes. Top with cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 273 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 542mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

EASY ITALIAN PASTA CASSEROLE



Easy Italian Pasta Casserole image

This recipe is so easy and so yummy. We have it often at my house on those busy weeknights when I'm just too tired to get crazy in the kitchen. I usually serve this dish with cottage cheese and garlic bread as sides. It's my 16 year-old, pasta-loving son's favorite! We hope you'll love it too! OPTIONAL: You can add 1 pound of browned and drained hamburger or Italian sausage or throw in some pepperoni slices if your family likes it meaty!

Provided by Sugar Plum

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (26 ounce) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 (26 ounce) sauce jar filled with water (and a splash of red wine if you like)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
16 ounces ziti pasta or 16 ounces rigatoni pasta, uncooked
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (Italian-blend is tasty)

Steps:

  • Stir all ingredients, except the cheese, into a sprayed 9 x 13 casserole dish.
  • Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 425°F for 45 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more.
  • Stir in 1/2 the shredded cheese and top with the other 1/2.
  • Return to oven just until the cheese on top is nice and melty.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 503.6, Fat 13.3, SaturatedFat 5.6, Cholesterol 29.9, Sodium 1241.4, Carbohydrate 80.9, Fiber 10, Sugar 15, Protein 17.6

STOVETOP ITALIAN MACARONI



Stovetop Italian Macaroni image

It's not every day that a cost-conscious menu pleases both the eye and the stomach, but this scrumptious stovetop entree does just that. -Laila Zvejnieks, Stoney Creek, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound ground beef
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups water
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, water, soup mix, Italian seasoning and, if desired, pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-9 minutes or until macaroni is tender., Remove from the heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410 calories, Fat 17g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 76mg cholesterol, Sodium 969mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g 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.

ITALIAN PASTA CASSEROLE



Italian Pasta Casserole image

All the traditional flavors abound in this dish reminiscent of lasagna. "This is a zippy and hearty recipe that our family and guests really like."-Denise Rasmussen, Salina, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/3 cup tomato paste
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, crumble beef and sausage into a large skillet; add onion. Cook and stir over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes., Drain pasta; stir in meat mixture and pepperoni. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with half of the cheese; repeat layers., Cover and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 752mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, quality pasta, and flavorful cheeses will make a big difference in the final dish.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture better in the casserole.
  • Use a variety of cheeses to create a rich and flavorful sauce. A combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other cheeses such as Asiago, Fontina, or Provolone.
  • Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to the recipe. Add some cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or chopped vegetables to the casserole to make it your own.
  • Serve the casserole hot and bubbly, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Conclusion:

Easy Italian Macaroni Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try.

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