Mushroom-Macaroni Casserole
A comforting baked macaroni casserole with rich mushroom flavor and cheesy goodness, topped with buttery cracker crumbs. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines creamy mushrooms, sharp Cheddar, and pimentos for a flavorful, hearty dish that satisfies all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 2 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large Dutch oven; stir in the macaroni.
- Return to a rapid boil and cook the macaroni for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and rinse in cold water.
- Drain again and set aside.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, undiluted cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, shredded Cheddar cheese, and drained sliced mushrooms in a bowl.
- Add drained diced pimentos to the mixture and stir well.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Combine crushed round buttery crackers and melted butter; sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake at 300°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed onions or garlic when combining the ingredients. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar cheese with a mild variety or even a blend of cheeses for a different taste. If you want a bit of crunch, try adding some cooked bacon bits to the mixture before baking. This recipe is versatile — browse more American recipes for more ideas.
Serving Suggestions
This Mushroom-Macaroni Casserole is a hearty dish that can stand alone or be paired with a fresh side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a bowl of Cream Of Tomato Soup for a comforting combination. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mushroom-Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 453 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 814mg per serving (35% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it in the casserole dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, as some may require more or less time to cook.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance it further by adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Just sauté them briefly before mixing them in. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas to the casserole.
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).