Cheesy Tomato Shell Bake
This Cheesy Tomato Shell Bake offers a delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese with its creamy texture and zesty flavor. Unlike traditional recipes that rely on flour and milk, this dish uses a combination of cheeses and creamy sour cream to create a rich and satisfying sauce. The addition of juicy diced stewed tomatoes and fragrant fresh oregano brings a refreshing burst of flavor, making this recipe a perfect choice for potluck suppers or cozy family dinners. With its simplicity and easy prep, you'll find this dish irresistible, whether you're indulging yourself or sharing it with loved ones!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
shell macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
provolone cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
diced stewed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (softened)
fresh oregano
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, cook the shell macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and transfer it to a greased 1-quart casserole dish.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, provolone cheese (or Mexican cheese blend), sour cream, drained diced stewed tomatoes, butter, and fresh oregano. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
Pour the cheesy mixture over the macaroni in the casserole dish. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Tomato Shell Bake?
It is a creamy and zesty twist on classic macaroni and cheese that uses shell macaroni, a blend of three cheeses, sour cream, and stewed tomatoes.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and provolone cheese.
Can I substitute the provolone cheese?
Yes, you can use a Mexican cheese blend as a substitute for the provolone cheese.
What oven temperature is required?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the macaroni?
Cook the shell macaroni in a large pot according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, then drain it.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A greased 1-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
What makes the sauce creamy if it doesn't use flour or milk?
The creaminess comes from a rich combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, and 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
Yes, the 15-ounce can of diced stewed tomatoes should be drained before being added to the mixture.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh oregano to provide a fragrant burst of flavor.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The dish is finished when it is hot and bubbling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but you can use salted butter if that is what you have on hand.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, its simplicity and easy preparation make it a perfect choice for potluck suppers.
What is the recommended amount of pasta?
The recipe requires 2 cups of uncooked shell macaroni.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of softened butter rather than melted.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While shell macaroni is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce, other small pasta shapes could be used.
What is the first step in preparing the cheesy mixture?
In a mixing bowl, combine the cheeses, sour cream, drained tomatoes, softened butter, and fresh oregano.
How should the macaroni and cheese mixture be combined?
Pour the cheesy mixture over the cooked macaroni in the casserole dish and stir gently to ensure even coating.
Does this recipe include a roux?
No, this recipe avoids the traditional flour and milk roux in favor of a cheese and sour cream base.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a rich, creamy texture with a zesty and refreshing flavor from the tomatoes and oregano.
How much sour cream is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Are the tomatoes stewed or plain?
The recipe specifically calls for diced stewed tomatoes.
Is the preparation time long?
No, the recipe is described as having easy prep and a straightforward process.
Can I add meat to this dish?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add cooked chicken or ground beef to make it heartier.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup each of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and provolone, totaling 3/4 cup of grated cheese.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a pasta dish, comfort food, and a one-dish meal.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh is recommended for flavor, you can substitute with about 3/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of pasta and familiar cheeses makes it a great choice for family dinners with children.