Macaroni Baked With Spaghetti Sauce
A comforting baked macaroni dish layered with rich spaghetti sauce, sharp Cheddar cheese, and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain well.
- Layer cooked macaroni, spaghetti sauce, and grated Cheddar cheese alternately in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Toss bread crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the casserole.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the surface is lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage with the spaghetti sauce. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. If you prefer a crunchy topping, add some crushed crackers or use panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. For a vegetarian option, ensure your spaghetti sauce is meat-free and explore other vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This macaroni baked with spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. For dessert, consider enjoying a slice of Deluxe Cream Cheese Pound Cake to round off your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover macaroni bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Cover with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Baked With Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1005 calories, with 27g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (60% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 818mg per serving (36% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the preheated oven. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the macaroni bake?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, you can use any small pasta shape like penne, shells, or rotini. Each shape will provide a unique texture, but they will all work well with the sauce and cheese.
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).