Shells, Cheese And Tomato Macaroni
A hearty and comforting baked macaroni dish featuring shells, sharp Cheddar cheese, stewed tomatoes, and a creamy sour cream sauce. The rich flavors and cheesy goodness make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of tangy, cheesy, and savory notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the shell macaroni for 14 minutes and drain.
- Mix sour cream, canned stewed tomatoes, grated Cheddar cheese, butter, and grated onion together.
- Add the mixture to the drained shells and stir well.
- Pour the combined mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of sour cream and cream cheese. If you want to add some zest, a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor profile. To lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the cheddar with a lower-fat cheese. Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mixed Cut Green Bean Casserole for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, consider serving with a glass of Coconut Eggnog during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shells, Cheese And Tomato Macaroni contains roughly 514 calories, with 9g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned stewed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. About 4-5 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced, will work well. Just ensure to cook them down a bit to create a sauce-like consistency before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Let the dish cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is inherently vegetarian, as it contains no meat. Just ensure that your cheese and butter are vegetarian-friendly. You could also add in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
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).