Dive into comfort food bliss with this warm and hearty C O M F Y Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings. Featuring tender elbow macaroni, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and creamy layers of cheddar and parmesan cheeses, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with rich flavors. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch, each bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures. Ready in just an hour, this casserole brings together ease and indulgence, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or potluck dinners. Whether you're craving nostalgia or simply seeking a comforting meal, this baked masterpiece is sure to become a family favorite.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese. Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix until everything is well combined.
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining parmesan cheese until well combined.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm and cozy COMFY Casserole!
Calories |
3167 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 172.4 g | 221% | |
| Saturated Fat | 91.1 g | 456% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 424 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 7033 mg | 306% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 267.8 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.3 g | ||
| Protein | 146.6 g | 293% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.4 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 3300 mg | 254% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2062 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.