Bean And Macaroni Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes, and hot dogs, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that appeals to families and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and put in a large pan.
- Drain the kidney beans and add to the macaroni.
- Drain the stewed tomatoes and cut into smaller pieces.
- Add the tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pan.
- Cut the hot dogs into bite-size pieces and brown in a separate pan sprayed with cooking spray.
- Add the browned hot dogs to the mixture.
- Stir all ingredients together and simmer until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the mixture before baking. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas for a different flavor. If you want to add more vegetables, diced bell peppers or corn work well. For added spice, sprinkle some chili powder or a dash of hot sauce into the mix.
Serving Suggestions
This Bean and Macaroni Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad dressed with Dijon Honey Mustard Salad Dressing. For a comforting meal, serve with crusty bread or garlic knots. A light dessert like a fruit salad or a refreshing Grapefruit Fizz can complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean And Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 373 calories, with 19g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 916mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the hot dogs or replace them with a plant-based sausage alternative. This will keep the dish flavorful while making it suitable for vegetarians. You can also add more vegetables or use vegan cheese for extra creaminess.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier kick, try adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the casserole. You can also mix in some diced green chilies with the tomatoes or use a spicy tomato sauce to enhance the heat.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day ahead. Just assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).