baked macaroni, vegetables & cheese

The Villages, FL
Updated on Aug 21, 2013

This recipe was prepared by Jewel Cammarani for our August 2013 meeting.

prep time
cook time 25 Min
method ---
yield 8-10 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • - vegetable spray
  • 1 medium bell pepper (or 3/4 cup other vegetable), chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 - shallot plus 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2-3 tablespoons flour
  • 3/4 cup milk (more if needed)
  • 4-6 ounces of cheddar cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 1 - plum tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup 5-cheese blend
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • - salt & pepper to taste

How To Make baked macaroni, vegetables & cheese

  • Step 1
    Cook macaroni in boiling, salted water until "al dente". Drain and spread out on a cookie sheet to cool.
  • Step 2
    Using a large wok, spray inside with vegetable spray and heat. Add chopped peppers and 1 teaspoon of butter. Saute pepper until soft. Season and set aside in a bowl.
  • Step 3
    In same pan, spray once more and add shallot, onion and 1 teaspoon butter. Saute until onions are soft. Season and remove to bowl with sautéed peppers.
  • Step 4
    Add remaining butter to wok and when it melts, add flour. Cook until a paste forms. Add milk a little at a time until mixture starts to thicken.
  • Step 5
    Add cheddar cheese and stir and cook until melted. Cook 1 or 2 minutes more, until cheese mixture thickens. Add chopped tomato.
  • Step 6
    Pour cooked macaroni into wok, stirring to cover with sauce.
  • Step 7
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Step 8
    Prepare a baking pan approximately 8 X 5 with vegetable spray.
  • Step 9
    Pour 1/3 macaroni mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the 5 cheese mix.
  • Step 10
    Repeat this laying 2 more times.
  • Step 11
    On top layer sprinkle the grated cheese, then the breadcrumbs and spray with vegetable spray. Season top with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Step 12
    Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until top is golden and browned.
  • Step 13
    TIP: Add frozen peas in each layer, for an extra vegetable and element of flavor.

Discover More

Category: Pasta

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