Here’s a comforting, hearty recipe for Baked Beans & Macaroni Casserole—perfect as a simple dinner or potluck dish.
🥘 Baked Beans & Macaroni Casserole
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) baked beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
🔪 Instructions
- Preheat oven: 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar) casserole dish with butter.
- Cook macaroni: Boil macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain.
- Prepare mixture: In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked macaroni
- Baked beans
- Milk
- Onion
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
- Half of the shredded cheese
- Assemble casserole: Pour mixture into the greased casserole dish.
- Add topping: Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top (optional for crunch).
- Bake: 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips
- Add cooked bacon or sausage for extra protein and flavor
- Mix in chopped bell peppers or tomatoes for a veggie boost
- For creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese into the macaroni mixture
If you want, I can give a faster one-pot version that combines beans, macaroni, and cheese without pre-boiling the pasta—ready in under 30 minutes.
