Shell Macaroni Casserole

Shell Macaroni Casserole Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Shell Macaroni Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This recipe combines ground beef, shell macaroni, mushroom soup, tomatoes, cheese, and onions to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Shell Macaroni Casserole are unclear, but casseroles have been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. This recipe likely originated as a way to use up leftover ingredients and create a filling and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) ground beef
2 cups cooked shell macaroni
1 can mushroom soup
2 cups canned tomatoes
2 cups velveeta cheese
1 medium onion, chopped

How to prepare

Cook the ground beef and onion until they are done.
Add the soup and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the cheese, but save 0.5 cup to sprinkle on top of the casserole.
Mix the macaroni and meat mixture together. Then, top it with the extra cheese.
Bake it at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different taste.

Notes

Freezes well.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the ground beef and onions until they are fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the meat mixture.

- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shell Macaroni Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fully cook the ground beef and onions before adding the other ingredients to ensure that the meat is cooked through.

- Simmer the casserole mixture to allow the flavors to meld together before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of pasta in place of shell macaroni, such as penne or rotini.

- Substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for the mushroom soup if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Shell Macaroni Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shell Macaroni Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shell Macaroni Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shell Macaroni Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Shell Macaroni Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Shell Macaroni Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (macaroni), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Shell Macaroni Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Shell Macaroni Casserole is a classic and comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With a rich and savory meat mixture, tender pasta, and gooey cheese topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a sunny afternoon in the early 1960s, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. Margaret was an excellent cook, and she always had the most amazing recipes up her sleeve. That day, she invited me over for lunch and served me the most delicious Shell Macaroni Casserole I had ever tasted.

As I took my first bite, a wave of flavors washed over me. The creamy cheese sauce, the tender shell macaroni, the savory ground beef – it was a perfect combination of ingredients that left me craving for more. I knew right then and there that I had to get my hands on the recipe.

After finishing my meal, I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me. She chuckled and agreed, pulling out a tattered old recipe card from her recipe box. As she read out the ingredients and instructions, I furiously scribbled them down in my own notebook, determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made the Shell Macaroni Casserole countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own taste. Each time I made it, the dish brought back fond memories of that sunny afternoon at Margaret's house. I would often serve it to my own family and friends, who always raved about how delicious it was.

As I look back on that day, I realize that finding this recipe was not just about discovering a new dish to cook. It was about the joy of sharing food with loved ones, the bond that forms over a shared meal, and the memories that are created in the kitchen.

The recipe itself is quite simple, but the flavors are anything but. The key to making a perfect Shell Macaroni Casserole lies in the quality of the ingredients and the care put into each step of the cooking process. Here is the recipe that has become a staple in my family for generations:

Ingredients:

- 1 lb shell macaroni

- 1 lb ground beef

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 can of diced tomatoes

- 1 can of tomato sauce

- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

- 1 cup of milk

- 2 tablespoons of butter

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

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

3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

6. In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the ground beef mixture. Repeat the layers.

7. Pour the cheese sauce over the top of the casserole, ensuring that it covers all the ingredients.

8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown.

10. Serve hot and enjoy!

As I sit here writing down this recipe, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the memories that this dish has created over the years. From that sunny afternoon at Margaret's house to family gatherings and holiday meals, the Shell Macaroni Casserole has been a constant presence in my life.

I hope that this recipe brings you as much joy and deliciousness as it has brought me and my loved ones. May it become a cherished tradition in your family, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!