Trader Joe's Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients for Trader Joe's Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Calling all cheese lovers!
This incredibly easy, under-30-minute mac and cheese recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. We're talking rich, creamy, and bursting with unexpected flavors thanks to Trader Joe's beloved Unexpected Cheddar and their Mushroom & Company Umami Seasoning Blend. This dish doesn't just satisfy your cheese cravings – it offers a depth of savory complexity that will leave you wanting more.
Trader Joe’s shopping list:
Pasta Sauce, Cacio E Pepe $3.49
Original Bread Crumbs $2.99
Pasta Macaroni $0.99
Spice Mushroom Umami Seasoning $2.99
Milk Quart Low Fat Milk 2% 1.29
Shredded Unexpected Cheddar (2 @ $4.99) $9.98
$2.72 per serving
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Ultra-cheesy: A combination of Unexpected Cheddar and Cacio e Pepe sauce creates a flavorful cheese explosion.
Umami kick: Trader Joe's Mushroom & Company Umami Seasoning Blend adds a savory depth that elevates the classic mac and cheese experience.
One-pot wonder: This recipe comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your comfort food enjoyment.
Fast and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the perfect weeknight meal.
Recipe Ingredients:
elbow macaroni - Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape!
Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar - The star of the show!
Cacio e Pepe pasta sauce - creamy and cheesy base
milk - adds creaminess and helps everything come together
bread crumbs - for a satisfying crunchy topping
Trader Joe's Mushroom Umami Seasoning Blend - the secret weapon!
Tips for Success:
Don't overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the oven.
If the mixture seems too thick after adding all the ingredients, add a splash or two of milk to thin it out.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! While Unexpected Cheddar is the star here, you can try other shredded cheeses or a combination for added flavor variations.
If you do not have a Trader Joe's in your area you can still enjoy this recipe! You can substitute the 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup for the Cacio E Pepe pasta sauce, sharp cheddar for the unexpected cheddar and Italian bread crumbs for the umami seasoned bread crumbs.
Trader Joe's Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish, set aside. In a small bowl combine bread crumbs and mushroom umami seasoning blend, set aside.
- Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions in a large pot. Remove from heat, drain, and add back to the large pot.
- Add shredded cheese, Cacio E Pepe sauce, and milk to the pot and stir to combine (the cheese does not need to melt at this stage).
- Add macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish, top with bread crumb mixture and cover with foil.
- Bake covered in oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the bread crumbs begin to brown.
- Remove from oven and serve hot!
Notes
Tips for success:
- Don't overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the oven.
- If the mixture seems too thick after adding all the ingredients, add a splash or two of milk to thin it out.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! While Unexpected Cheddar is the star here, you can try other shredded cheeses or a combination for added flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
548.7Fat
22.21 gSat. Fat
11.85 gCarbs
62.58 gFiber
3.02 gNet carbs
59.57 gSugar
5.84 gProtein
25.45 gSodium
426.75 mgCholesterol
61.89 mg
