Meat Macaroni Supper
A hearty meat and macaroni casserole with creamy celery soup, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers. Easy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 (7 oz.) pkg. elbow macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. hamburger, cooked ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper
- 1/4 c. shredded cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter.
- Cook the chopped onion in the butter until tender.
- Add the cooked hamburger and brown.
- Add the cream of celery soup, cut-up tomatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni and chopped green pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, to vary the flavor. Experiment with additional herbs like oregano or basil for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Meat Macaroni Supper pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside Kicky Korn Bread for a delightful combination. You can also offer a light dessert, like fruit salad, to cleanse the palate after this savory dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, which helps maintain the cheese's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Macaroni Supper contains roughly 465 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1081mg per serving (47% 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?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape, such as shell pasta or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, as some may require longer or shorter cooking times.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I do if I don't have cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup on hand, you can make a quick substitute using a mix of heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, and some sautéed celery or even cream of mushroom soup. This will maintain the creamy texture and add flavor to your 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).