Macaroni Shells
Creamy macaroni shells baked with a flavorful tomato and mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheese. Perfect comfort food for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni shells until tender and drain.
- In a skillet, brown the chopped onion and green pepper in oleo.
- In a bowl, mix the tomato soup, mushroom soup, milk, and cheese until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the cooked shells.
- Bake the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic or adding cooked ground meat to the onion and green pepper mixture. If you want a lighter version, use reduced-fat soups and cheese. You can also substitute the American or Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different taste. For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and explore more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This macaroni shells dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad like Jean Hardin's Salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of roasted zucchini for a tasty balance. It also makes a great potluck dish that your friends will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake at 350°F until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Shells contains roughly 276 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 623mg per serving (27% 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 whole wheat macaroni shells instead?
Yes, whole wheat macaroni shells can be used as a healthier alternative. They will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the dish. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may require slightly longer to become tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's chilled from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the soups?
If you prefer homemade options, you can replace the canned tomato and mushroom soups with homemade versions. For tomato soup, blend cooked tomatoes with herbs and spices. For mushroom soup, sauté fresh mushrooms and blend with broth and cream. This adds depth to the dish.
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).