Cheesy Macaroni-Mushroom Bake
A comforting baked macaroni dish with creamy mushroom and cheesy flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, featuring a savory blend of cheese and herbs.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can cream of celery soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground oregano ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained and divided ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 small tomatoes, cut into wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Rinse macaroni with cold water and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of celery soup, milk, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and ground oregano.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese, drained sliced mushrooms (reserve some for topping), and cooked macaroni to the mixture.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Arrange tomato wedges on top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with remaining sliced mushrooms before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more milk or incorporating a dollop of sour cream into the mixture. You can substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or another shape if desired. If you want to add extra flavor, try mixing in some cooked bacon or diced ham. This dish is a great way to use up leftover cheese or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Macaroni-Mushroom Bake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside grilled chicken or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also explore other comforting dishes like Easy Scallop Potatoes to complement your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Macaroni-Mushroom Bake contains roughly 325 calories, with 14g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1703mg per serving (74% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of your favorites for added flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the overall taste and texture of the dish.
What can I do if I don't have cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can make a simple substitute by mixing equal parts of cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce with sautéed celery for flavor. Alternatively, using a cream of chicken soup can work well too.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and sauce mixture ahead of time. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).