Macaroni Oven Dinner
A hearty baked macaroni dish with vegetables, ham, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking savory, filling flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling, salted water until tender.
- Rinse the cooked macaroni in cold water and drain.
- Cook celery, onion, tomatoes, green pepper, salt, and pepper together for 30 minutes.
- Combine drained macaroni, cooked vegetables, seasonings, pork-ham luncheon meat, parsley, and 3/4 cup grated cheese.
- Turn the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 325°F for 1 hour.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the macaroni mixture before baking. You can substitute the pork-ham luncheon meat with diced cooked chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavor profile, providing a nice kick. If you want to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding peas or corn.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, consider garnishing with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a side of Rhode Island Clam (Quahog) Chowder. Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Macaroni Oven Dinner can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to maintain moisture, for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Oven Dinner contains roughly 297 calories, with 24g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value), iron (176% of the Daily Value), and potassium (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1775mg per serving (77% 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 freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F 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).