Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this rich and creamy Cheesy Comfort Casserole! Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is smothered in a decadent blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, all brought together with a silky homemade cheese sauce infused with sautéed onions and garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Topped with melted golden goodness, this baked casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Ready in just an hour and serving up to six, this dish combines hearty textures and bold flavors for a satisfying meal that's sure to warm your heart and your taste buds. Keywords: cheesy comfort casserole recipe, baked macaroni casserole, easy comfort food dinner.
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until it forms a paste.
Slowly whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it thicken, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a handful of each for topping, and stir until all cheese is melted and incorporated.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper.
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is fully coated.
Sprinkle the reserved cheeses on top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy comfort casserole!
Calories |
3399 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 193.7 g | 248% | |
| Saturated Fat | 115.0 g | 575% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 623 mg | 208% | |
| Sodium | 5596 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 260.4 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.7 g | ||
| Protein | 148.8 g | 298% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.1 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 3335 mg | 257% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1102 mg | 23% | |
*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.