Best 3 Hearty Macaroni Casserole Recipes

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**Introducing the Hearty Macaroni Casserole: A Culinary Delight for Cheese Lovers**

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our hearty macaroni casserole, a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of cheese, the tenderness of macaroni, and the flavors of herbs and spices. This casserole is not just a meal; it's a journey of taste and texture that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a cheese enthusiast, a pasta aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates a warm and comforting dish, this hearty macaroni casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings.

In this article, we present two irresistible recipes for macaroni casserole: the classic macaroni and cheese and the broccoli macaroni casserole. Both recipes are easy to follow and packed with flavor. The classic macaroni and cheese recipe delivers the timeless combination of macaroni, cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, while the broccoli macaroni casserole adds a healthy twist with the inclusion of broccoli florets.

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, we also feature a meatless macaroni casserole recipe that uses a combination of vegetables and cheese to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and ingredient suggestions, these recipes will guide you in creating a perfect macaroni casserole that will impress your family and friends.

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

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.

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.

HEARTY PIZZA CASSEROLE



Hearty Pizza Casserole image

"This cheesy, meaty meal is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time," says Barbara Walker of Brookville, Kansas. "Downsizing it allows me to enjoy it more often."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
6 small fresh mushrooms, halved
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, mushrooms and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, pepperoni, olives, sugar, Italian seasoning and pepper., Drain macaroni; add to meat mixture. Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheeses., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through., Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake according to directions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calories, Fat 19g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 871mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a rich sauce will make all the difference in your macaroni casserole.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni: Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture better in the casserole.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A blend of cheeses will create a more complex and flavorful casserole.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite vegetables, meats, or spices to create a unique and delicious casserole.
  • Make sure to top the casserole with a crispy breadcrumb topping: This will add a delicious crunch and help to hold the casserole together.

Conclusion:

Macaroni casserole is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni casserole that is sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni casserole a try.

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