Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real: when you think of comfort food, what pops into your head? For a lot of us, it’s good ol’ mac and cheese. Now, imagine taking that creamy, cheesy goodness and mixing it with crisp green beans and a hint of nostalgia from your favorite casserole. Sounds amazing, right? 🙌

This Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole is your new go-to dish for potlucks, family dinners, or just a cozy night in. It might not win a beauty pageant, but who cares? It tastes like a big hug from your grandma. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal while still indulging in cheesy dreams.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole

Ready to tackle this fabulous dish? The good news is that it’s super easy to whip up! You won’t need to call your culinary school buddy for help. Here’s what to do:

1. Get your ingredients together.
2. Preheat that oven! You want it hot and ready for all that cheesy goodness.
3. Combine everything in a bowl; it’s as simple as tossing a salad, just with macaroni instead of leafy greens.
4. Bake it until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve and enjoy the sounds of happy munching.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces macaroni
• 2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (optional for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside (don’t forget to taste a noodle or two for quality control! 😉).
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, green beans, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
5. If desired, top with crispy fried onions. Because let’s be real, everything is better with a little crunch.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy that creamy goodness!

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole

Serve this casserole as a side dish alongside your favorite proteins like roast chicken, steak, or even as the centerpiece of a vegetarian meal. You can also add some fresh herbs on top for that extra touch. Seriously, it’s like giving your dish a fancy little hat. 🎩

How to Store Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole

If you somehow have leftovers (which is hard to imagine), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. Pro tip: adding a splash of milk when reheating keeps it from drying out!

Tips to Make Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole

• Mix it up: Feel free to play around with different types of cheese. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy cheddar can give your casserole a unique twist.
• Add more veggies: Sneak in some mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers. Your taste buds (and those sneaky veggie-hating kids) will thank you.
• Crispy top: If you love that crunch, consider adding more fried onions on top during the last few minutes of baking.

Variation

For a spicy kick, try adding some jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. If you want something lighter, sub the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce. Totally gourmet, right? 😉

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While macaroni is classic, you can go wild with shapes like cavatappi, fusilli, or even shells. Just remember to keep the cooking time similar.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You bet! Just freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. Easy peasy! 🍽️

Now, go ahead and indulge in this ultimate comfort food. You deserve it!

Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole

A delicious blend of creamy mac and cheese and crisp green beans, perfect for potlucks or cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces 8 ounces macaroni
• 2 cups 2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 can 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup 1 cup crispy fried onions (optional for topping) Optional for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, green beans, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
5. If desired, top with crispy fried onions.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
2. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be served as a side dish with proteins like roast chicken or steak. Add fresh herbs for an extra touch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.