Quick Tomato Macaroni Recipe
Overview
This delightful Quick Tomato Macaroni dish is a hearty one-dish meal that balances creamy cheese with comforting pasta, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when catering to picky eaters. Inspired by a classic vegetarian cookbook, this recipe has become a household favorite, especially appreciated for its budget-friendly nature and the ease of preparation.
Recipe Details
| Cook Time | Prep Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 |
Description
Discovered in the pages of an old vegetarian cookbook titled Vegetarian Cookery Volume 3: Main Dishes, this recipe has quickly won over the hearts of many, including my husband, who tends to be quite picky. The minimal use of onions allows for a subtle flavor without overpowering the dish, and a simple tip for ease of preparation is to save any chopped onions from other meals. The pièce de résistance is the addition of breadcrumbs mixed with melted margarine, which adds a delightful crunch and richness to the dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1/4 cup |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Macaroni | 2 cups, cooked |
| Additional Margarine | 1/4 cup, melted |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 398 |
| Total Fat | 15.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 7.4 mg |
| Sodium | 620.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 54.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 7.6 g |
| Protein | 10.9 g |
Instructions
-
Begin by melting the margarine in a saucepan over medium heat, adding the chopped onion, and sautéing until it becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
-
Next, pour in the soup along with the water and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Allow this to simmer on low heat to meld the flavors.
-
In a separate pot, prepare the macaroni according to package instructions until it is al dente, then drain and combine it with the cheese mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated.
-
Transfer this cheesy macaroni mixture into a buttered casserole dish—while a 9×9 square pan works beautifully, a 1.5-quart dish as suggested in the recipe will suffice.
-
For the crunchy topping, mix the dry breadcrumbs with the melted margarine and evenly spread this mixture over the top of the casserole.
-
Finally, bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and crispy, creating a tantalizing contrast to the creamy macaroni beneath.
Enjoy this comforting Quick Tomato Macaroni, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering simplicity and satisfaction in every bite!
