Cheeseroni
Cheeseroni is a hearty baked pasta casserole featuring seasoned ground meat, creamy soups, green peppers, and melted Cheddar cheese topped with crispy fried onions, perfect for family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef or sausage with chopped onion.
- Add tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, green pepper, pimento, and cooked macaroni; mix well.
- Place half of the mixture in a greased 2 1/2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle with half of the Cheddar cheese and half of the French fried onions.
- Top with the remaining macaroni mixture, then sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Top with remaining French fried onions and bake 5 minutes longer until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef or sausage to lighten the dish. If you're out of pimento, diced olives or roasted red peppers work well as alternatives. To add a touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheeseroni pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also serve it alongside garlic bread for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, consider topping each serving with a dollop of salsa or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. Explore more American recipes that feature comforting ingredients like macaroni and cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheeseroni contains roughly 636 calories, with 25g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1110mg per serving (48% 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 Cheeseroni ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cheeseroni a day in advance. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. Alternatively, a can of cream of celery soup can also work well in this recipe, maintaining the creamy texture without overpowering the flavors.
Is it possible to freeze Cheeseroni?
Absolutely! Cheeseroni freezes well. Once baked and cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until 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).