Aunt Donna’s Tomato, Cheese and Macaroni Casserole

🍅🧀🍝 Aunt Donna’s Tomato, Cheese, and Macaroni Casserole 🍅🧀🍝

History:
Aunt Donna’s Tomato, Cheese, and Macaroni Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that has been passed down through generations in many families. Its origins are often traced back to the mid-20th century, and it’s beloved for its rich and hearty flavors. This casserole is a favorite for gatherings and potlucks, bringing people together over its delicious taste.

Components:

• 2 cups of macaroni pasta
• 1 can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion
• 1/4 cup of chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup of chopped celery
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, celery, parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix them together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce mixture and stir well until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

7. Serve: Remove from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes, and then serve your Aunt Donna’s Tomato, Cheese, and Macaroni Casserole while it’s still warm and bubbling.

Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Donna’s Tomato, Cheese, and Macaroni Casserole is approximately 45-50 minutes, including both preparation and baking time. It’s a delightful and heartwarming dish that’s sure to please anyone looking for a comforting meal. Enjoy! 😋🍽🧡

Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Donna’s Tomato, Cheese, and Macaroni Casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 380
• Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 16g

Health Information:

1. Calories: Aunt Donna’s Tomato, Cheese, and Macaroni Casserole is moderately calorie-dense due to the combination of pasta and cheese. While it’s a delicious comfort food, it’s best enjoyed in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake.

2. Total Fat: The casserole contains a significant amount of fat, primarily from the cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. While fat is an essential nutrient, it’s advisable to be mindful of high-fat dishes if you’re on a low-fat diet.

3. Cholesterol: The casserole contains cholesterol primarily from the cheese and mayonnaise. If you’re concerned about cholesterol intake, consider using low-fat or reduced-fat cheese and mayonnaise options.

4. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively high, which is common in cheesy dishes. If you have high blood pressure or need to limit your sodium intake, you may want to use lower-sodium canned tomatoes and be cautious with added salt during preparation.

5. Carbohydrates: This casserole is a good source of carbohydrates due to the pasta and vegetables. Carbohydrates provide energy, but if you’re watching your carb intake, you can use whole-grain pasta for added fiber.

6. Protein: The casserole provides a moderate amount of protein, mainly from the cheese and mayonnaise. Protein is essential for muscle and tissue repair.

7. Fiber: The casserole contains a modest amount of dietary fiber, primarily from the vegetables. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health.

In summary, Aunt Donna’s Tomato, Cheese, and Macaroni Casserole is a tasty but relatively calorie-dense and high-fat dish. While it’s fine to enjoy as an occasional treat, consider making ingredient substitutions or adjusting portion sizes if you have specific dietary concerns or health goals.