Okay, fellow busy moms, let’s talk about something comforting, easy, and surprisingly nutritious: a Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe! I remember the first time I made this. My kids were in that “only beige food” phase, and I was desperate for a way to sneak in some veggies. The Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe seemed like a safe bet, and it was! It’s become a dinnertime champion in our house.

My family loves how creamy and cheesy it is, and I love that it’s packed with corn (a surprisingly good source of fiber!). It truly felt like a nutrition win when even my pickiest eater asked for seconds of this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe. If you are looking for simple nutrition, then this is the recipe for you.

Are you ready to ditch the dinnertime stress and embrace a Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe that’s both family-friendly and good for you? Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand. I always say, a little improvisation is key to sanity-saving nutrition!

1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic choice, but any small pasta shape will work. I sometimes use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.
1 (15 ounce) can of creamed corn: Adds sweetness and creaminess.
1 (15 ounce) can of whole kernel corn, drained: Adds texture and more corn goodness. My family gets extra nutrition when I make sure to get the canned corn that is no salt added.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is where the magic happens! Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moisture.
1/2 cup butter, melted: For flavor and richness.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Because cheese makes everything better! I often buy a block of cheddar and shred it myself because I think it tastes better.

Trust me, this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. It’s a win-win for everyone! I think this recipe is super yummy, especially if you make this dish with the best ingredients you can find.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to turn those simple ingredients into a Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe masterpiece.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to do ahead of time so that the oven is ready when you need it!
Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well. Don’t overcook it, you want it to be slightly al dente. This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is amazing because it is easy to make, and you probably have the ingredients already at home!
In a large bowl, combine the creamed corn, whole kernel corn, cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe – learn from my experience! Make sure the cream cheese is really softened so that it mixes well.
Add the cooked macaroni and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the corn mixture. Stir to combine. Make sure that all of the pasta is well coated with the cheese mixture. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe usually takes me about 15 minutes to assemble.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a glass dish, but any baking dish will work. Don’t worry if your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe looks a little lumpy at this point, it will all melt together in the oven.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. I love a cheesy topping, so I sometimes add a little extra! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe should smell nourishing by now. It should be heated through and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe to set up a bit and makes it easier to serve.

While your Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! This southern Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is a game changer.

How We Love to Eat This!

So, you’ve got a steaming hot Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe – now what? Here’s how we make this a complete and balanced meal in our house.

The kids devour this nutritious Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe when I serve it with some steamed broccoli or a simple side salad. The bright green veggies add a pop of color and some extra vitamins. It’s a dinnertime nutrition win. This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!

Sometimes, I’ll add a grilled chicken breast or some black beans to the side for extra protein. This makes it a more substantial meal that keeps everyone full and satisfied. If I make this dish for a potluck, I always make sure to bring a copy of the Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe because everyone always asks for it!

This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is also great for potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to transport. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out this recipe for Mexican Street Corn Soup.

For a fun twist, try adding a can of diced tomatoes or some chopped green onions to the casserole. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack. This creamy Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is a blank canvas for your family’s favorite flavors! This easy mac corn casserole will soon become a family favorite.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe. I know you busy moms have a lot on your minds, so I’m here to help!

Is this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids? Absolutely! It’s packed with corn, which is a good source of fiber, and the cheese and dairy add calcium and protein. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out this recipe for cornbread casserole. Of course, you can always add more veggies to make it even healthier.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe? I get it! Try serving a small portion alongside something you know they like. Sometimes, just seeing it on their plate is enough to pique their interest. You could also try pureeing some extra veggies, like carrots or zucchini, and adding them to the cheese sauce. They’ll never know!

Can I meal prep this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated through.

Can I freeze this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe? While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly. The cream cheese can sometimes become a little grainy after thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Can I make this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe in a slow cooker? Yes! It’s a great option for busy days. Just cook it on low for 4-6 hours, or until heated through. Be sure to grease your slow cooker really well to prevent sticking. This nutritious Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe reminds me of another family-healthy favorite.

Can I make this a southern Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe? Absolutely! You can add some crumbled bacon, a dash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapenos to give it a southern twist. I love adding a little bit of smoked paprika to give it that smoky flavor.

What can I substitute for the cream cheese in this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Just make sure to blend it well so it’s smooth.

Final Thoughts:

This Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe has become a staple in our house for so many reasons. It’s easy, comforting, and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. But most importantly, it’s a meal that my whole family enjoys.

My Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe Nutrition Hacks:

Add extra veggies: Pureed carrots, zucchini, or spinach are all great additions.
Use whole wheat pasta: For extra fiber.
Reduce the cheese: Use a lower-fat cheese or reduce the amount slightly.

Here are a few family-tested healthy Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe variations that everyone loves:

Bacon and Jalapeno: Adds a smoky and spicy kick.
Broccoli and Cheddar: A classic combination that’s always a hit.
Tomato and Basil: A fresh and flavorful twist.

My son loves the bacon and jalapeno version, while my daughter prefers the broccoli and cheddar. My husband loves this easy mac corn casserole. This cheesy corn and macaroni is the best!

I hope you’ll give this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe a try and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find what your family loves best. Remember, the goal is to nourish your family with simple, delicious food that everyone enjoys. And if your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for Candy Corn Poke Cake!

You’ve got this, fellow nutrition-seeker! I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way. Happy cooking! This southern Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe is a game changer. I hope you’ll give this Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe a try!

Macaroni Corn Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

This creamy Macaroni Corn Casserole is a comforting side dish or light meal. It combines classic macaroni and cheese flavors with the sweetness of corn for a family-friendly dish.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Stir in creamed corn, whole kernel corn, salt, and pepper.
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.