Baked Tomato Macaroni Casserole
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup milk or cream
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente
Drain and set aside - Make the tomato sauce:
Heat olive oil in a pan
Sauté onion until soft
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds
Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste
Add oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper
Simmer for 5–10 minutes - Combine:
In a large bowl, mix:
Cooked macaroni
Tomato sauce
Milk or cream
Half of the cheddar and mozzarella - Assemble:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Grease a baking dish
Pour the mixture into the dish
Top with remaining cheeses and Parmesan - Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top - Serve:
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving
💡 Tips:
Add cooked ground beef or chicken for a heartier meal 🍗
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy crust
Add chili flakes for a spicy kick 🌶️