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© Royalty-Free/Masterfile
2 cups uncooked macaroni pasta
1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp hot-red-chili-flakes, optional
4 cups Chunky vegetable tomato sauce, recipe link below
3 cups grated old cheddar, preferably orange
Cook macaroni in boiling water following package directions for minimum cooking time, usually 5 to 7 minutes. Rinse with cold running water. Drain well and place in a large bowl. Stir oregano and red pepper flakes, for spiciness, into chunky vegetable tomato sauce. Add sauce and 1-1/2 cups grated cheddar to macaroni and mix well.
Spoon mixture into a greased baking dish large enough to hold at least 8 cups (2 L). Smooth top. Sprinkle with remaining 1-1/2 cups cheese. Generously cover with foil, sealing well around edges of dish. This casserole is now ready to bake right away, refrigerate for up to a day or freeze.
To bake frozen casserole, preheat oven to 450F (230C). Place foil-covered casserole in centre of the oven and bake 45 minutes. Then , reduce heat to 350F (180C). Continue baking 45 more minutes. Uncover and bake until hot and cheese is golden, about 15 minutes. To bake a freshly made or cold casserole, bake, covered, on the centre rack of a preheated 350F (180C) oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until hot and cheese is golden, from 20 to 25 minutes.
Calories 417, Protein 20.4g, Carbohydrates 38.6g, Fat 20.7g.