Jo'S Macaroni Casserole Delight
A hearty macaroni casserole layered with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and creamy soup, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying savory cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni and drain.
- Put the cooked macaroni into a buttered casserole dish.
- Saute diced celery in butter until tender.
- Add the sautéed celery to the macaroni in the casserole dish.
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion, salt, and pepper; drain excess fat.
- Layer the cooked ground beef over the celery and macaroni.
- Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the meat layer.
- Spread the can of cream of chicken soup evenly over the cheese.
- Add stewed tomatoes on top of the soup layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining half of cheese over the tomatoes.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken or turkey. You can also use any cheese you have on hand, although sharp cheese gives the dish a nice kick. For added flavor, throw in some herbs like oregano or basil.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread can also complement the dish well. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a bowl of Quick And Easy Chicken Noodle Soup to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jo'S Macaroni Casserole Delight contains roughly 845 calories, with 14g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1643mg per serving (71% 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 pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this macaroni casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble it in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, ensure it's completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I add vegetables to this macaroni casserole?
Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. You can mix in some frozen peas, bell peppers, or even spinach. Just sauté them along with the celery or mix them in with the ground beef for added flavor and texture.
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).