Pork And Macaroni Casserole(Yields 100 Servings)
A hearty casserole combining savory pork, tender macaroni, and a creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for large gatherings or family dinners, it offers rich flavors and comforting textures that satisfy a crowd and can be prepared ahead for easy serving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place ground pork in a 21 x 13 x 2 1/2-inch pan.
- Cook meat in a 375°F oven for 45 minutes.
- Mix well to break into small pieces. Pour off drippings and save.
- Season with salt and paprika.
- Break tomatoes and add instant minced onion.
- Let stand for 20 minutes.
- Cook macaroni in salted water with oil; do not overcook.
- Drain the macaroni.
- In a saucepot or kettle, combine condensed cream of celery soup, garlic salt, pepper, basil, and savory. Mix well and heat.
- Add the tomato and onion mixture to the soup mixture.
- In two pans (21 x 13 x 2 1/2-inch), place half the pork and half the macaroni, then half of the tomato and onion mixture.
- Cover and bake in a 375°F oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until hot.
- Uncover and sprinkle with 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese.
- Heat until cheese is melted and casserole is hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular. If you don't have ground pork, ground turkey or beef can be used as substitutes. To enhance the dish, try adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms. If you're short on time, pre-cooked macaroni can be mixed in without cooking it further. This casserole is also delicious with a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm cornbread like Bacon And Cheese Cornbread. For a complete dinner experience, consider offering a light dessert, such as fruit salad, to cleanse the palate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for faster reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork And Macaroni Casserole(Yields 100 Servings) contains roughly 3319 calories, with 221g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 243g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (442% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (197% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, adjust the cooking time as it may need a few extra minutes to heat through from the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, a homemade white sauce mixed with sautéed celery can also work well, offering a fresher taste 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).