Best 4 Grandma Carols Macaroni Casserole Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Grandma Carol's Macaroni Casserole, a classic comfort food dish that embodies the essence of home cooking. This delectable casserole features a hearty combination of tender macaroni, a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce, and a crispy golden-brown topping. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a beloved dish among family and friends.

In this comprehensive guide, we present you with three variations of Grandma Carol's Macaroni Casserole, catering to different dietary preferences and taste buds. The first recipe stays true to the classic version, using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to create a rich and gooey cheese sauce. For those seeking a lighter option, the second recipe incorporates a creamy white sauce made with nonfat milk and reduced-fat cheese, while still delivering a satisfying cheesy experience. Finally, the third recipe takes a unique twist, introducing a savory combination of ground beef, taco seasoning, and a blend of Mexican cheeses, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying casserole with a Tex-Mex flair.

Whether you prefer the comforting classic, a lighter alternative, or a zesty Mexican-inspired dish, these variations of Grandma Carol's Macaroni Casserole offer something for everyone. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you back to cherished family gatherings and create lasting memories around the dinner table. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness that awaits you.

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

GRANDMA'S CHICKEN CASSEROLE



Grandma's Chicken Casserole image

When it comes to weeknight dinner, casseroles are king. This super-simple, five-ingredient chicken casserole recipe comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully. It's sure to be your quick-meal go to for at-home dinners and a reliable favorite for bake-and-take potluck dinners.

Provided by By Jessica Walker

Categories     Entree

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
3 cups Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Place chicken evenly in bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Spoon and spread soup evenly over chicken; sprinkle with cheese.
  • In medium bowl, stir bread crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over cheese. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread crumbs are golden brown and thoroughly heated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 520, Carbohydrate 37 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1060 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 1 g

GRANDMA'S BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Grandma's Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

This is my Grandmothers recipe for macaroni and cheese. Serves about 8 comfortably, more if its served as a side dish. I had to guess at the serving size as she says "depends on how many are eating and how hungry they are". Very tasty! This is creamy, cheesy kid pleasing (and adults love it too)!

Provided by Brooke Alicia

Categories     Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 1 Casserole

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups uncooked macaroni (cook to your liking)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 3/4 cups milk
4 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, packed)

Steps:

  • In saucepan, melt butter.
  • Remove from heat; blend in flour & salt.
  • Add milk; heat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens a little and is smooth.
  • Add 3 C cheese, heat until melted.
  • Combine macaroni & sauce in casserole pan.
  • Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until top of casserole is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 3966.6, Fat 222.8, SaturatedFat 139, Cholesterol 694.3, Sodium 7067, Carbohydrate 301.4, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 10.8, Protein 186.4

MY GRANDMA'S MACARONI CASSEROLE



My Grandma's Macaroni Casserole image

This was a recipe that my Grandma threw together in her kitchen one day during a streak of creativity. It became a family favorite and I have used it for all kinds of events and get-togethers. My grandma passed away a few months ago and I'm sharing this in her memory.

Provided by emtpixie

Categories     Potluck

Time 2h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb elbow macaroni (or smallish pasta of your choice)
2 (26 ounce) cans of hunt's whole canned tomatoes, undrained (I think this is the correct size, just use 2 big cans)
2 large onions
1 (24 slice) package American cheese (I prefer Kraft Deli Deluxe)
salt (to taste)
black pepper (to taste, I prefer freshly cracked pepper)
4 tablespoons butter (or enough to spread out pieces evenly between layers) or 4 tablespoons margarine (or enough to spread out pieces evenly between layers)

Steps:

  • Boil macaroni according to package directions until almost al dente. Meanwhile, slice the onions into about 1/4 inch thick slices.
  • Drain macaroni and rinse under hot water.
  • Spread a layer of macaroni about 1/2 inch deep in the bottom of a large, deep casserole dish with a lid. I've found that glass, stoneware or Corningware works best.
  • Lay cheese slices evenly on top of macaroni, tearing slices to fill in holes as necessary. If you like this really cheesy, repeat this layer.
  • Spread onion slices one layer thick over cheese.
  • Slice tomatoes in half lengthwise and place cut side down onto onion layer.
  • Sprinkle salt and pepper sparingly on tomatoes.
  • Place small, thin pats of butter or margarine on tomatoes. I don't have an exact amount because I just "eyeball" it.
  • Repeat all layers beginning with the macaroni.
  • When your casserole dish is almost full or you are out of ingredients pour about 1/3 to 1/2 cup (depending on how much liquid you want in the end) of the juice from the tomato cans evenly over casserole.
  • Cover casserole dish and put in the oven pre-heated to 350 degrees.
  • Bake 2 hours, or until onions look done and cheese is melted (here's where the transparent casserole dish comes in handy!).
  • Remove from oven, let stand about 5 minutes and enjoy!
  • NOTE: This casserole has a bad habit of bubbling over in the oven. To contain the mess I either put the dish on an old aluminum foil lined cookie sheet, or I put the foil lined cookie sheet under the casserole dish on the rack below it.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1041.7, Fat 45, SaturatedFat 27.3, Cholesterol 112.2, Sodium 1797.5, Carbohydrate 117.8, Fiber 8, Sugar 14.7, Protein 43.7

GRANDMA CAROL'S MACARONI CASSEROLE



Grandma Carol's Macaroni Casserole image

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces elbow macaroni
0.25 cups argo starch
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoons salt
0.25 teaspoons pepper
1 tablespoons dry mustard
2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese
1 units paprika

Steps:

  • Grease casserole dish. Cook macaroni (according to the box), drain and cover bottom of casserole dish with macaroni.
  • Make white sauce. In a small saucepan stir Argo Starch and milk* until smooth. Add butter, salt, pepper and dry mustard. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute. Take off heat and slowly stir in cheese.
  • Finish casserole. Pour white sauce over macaroni, and then pass (sprinkle) last 1/2 cup of cheese and paprika on top. Preheat oven for 350 degrees and cook for 25 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 0 g, Fat 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 g, Sodium 0 g, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 0 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your macaroni casserole. Use a good quality macaroni, cheese, and milk. You can also add other ingredients like cooked chicken, vegetables, or seasonings to taste.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian. It refers to the texture of pasta that is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This is the best texture for macaroni casserole because it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will also make a big difference in the flavor of your macaroni casserole. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
  • Don't overcook the casserole: Macaroni casserole is best when it is cooked through but still has a slight gooeyness to it. Overcooking will make the casserole dry and rubbery.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set. This will make it easier to cut and serve.

Conclusion:

Grandma Carol's macaroni casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your own taste. Whether you like it simple or loaded with add-ins, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give Grandma Carol's macaroni casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

Related Topics