Macaroni With Two Cheeses
Creamy macaroni enhanced with two cheeses, savory tomato sauce, garlic, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat salad oil in a saucepan.
- Add crushed garlic, chopped onion, and chopped carrot; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine cooked elbow macaroni with ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the cheese mixture into a baking dish.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the macaroni and cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic powder or onion powder along with fresh garlic and onion. You can substitute the Ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option. If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce. To make it even creamier, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this macaroni with two cheeses as a hearty main dish, complemented by a side salad for freshness. It pairs beautifully with Marinated Artichoke Dip for an appetizer. For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving to brighten up the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave single servings, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni With Two Cheeses contains roughly 1418 calories, with 21g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 macaroni dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture and the sauce ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply uncover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or fusilli. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it with the cheese and sauce to achieve the best texture after baking.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add cooked broccoli, spinach, or even zucchini for a boost of nutrition. Just make sure to sauté any added vegetables along with the onion and carrot to ensure they're tender before mixing everything together.
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).