Whole Wheat Macaroni Russian Style
A hearty Russian-style whole wheat macaroni casserole with creamy and savory flavors, featuring vegetables, cheese, and a tender baked finish, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 2 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 chopped scallions ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 chopped carrot ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon caraway seed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons tamari sauce ⓘ
- Black pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sour cream, cottage cheese, grated Cheddar cheese, sliced red onion, chopped scallions, and chopped green pepper in a bowl.
- Saute sliced mushrooms, chopped carrot, and shredded cabbage in butter until tender.
- Boil 2 cups of raw whole wheat macaroni in salted water until done.
- Drain the macaroni and toss with butter.
- Mix the cooked vegetables with the cheese mixture and the macaroni.
- Transfer everything into a buttered casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more sour cream or a splash of milk. If you can't find whole wheat macaroni, any pasta shape will work, although whole grain options are preferred for health benefits. For an extra flavor boost, try adding garlic or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the vegetable mixture. This dish is flexible, so feel free to incorporate any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole as a main dish alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with an Easy Asparagus Side Dish to add a touch of freshness. For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or a protein of your choice. Leftovers can be enjoyed as a satisfying lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole Wheat Macaroni Russian Style contains roughly 808 calories, with 49g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (111% of the Daily Value), protein (98% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2974mg per serving (129% 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 cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Cheddar cheese with any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor or feta for a tangy kick. Mixing different cheeses can also enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian as it does not contain meat. To ensure it remains vegetarian, be cautious with the tamari sauce; use a gluten-free variety if needed. This dish is perfect for incorporating seasonal vegetables, making it a versatile choice for vegetarian recipes.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
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).