Pour cream of broccoli soup and these 3 ingredients over elbow macaroni into a casserole dish for a cozy meal everyone keeps requesting

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need four main ingredients for this easy casserole.

Elbow Macaroni

Use 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni. Since the pasta cooks directly in the casserole, there’s no need to boil it first.

Cream of Broccoli Soup

You’ll need 2 cans of cream of broccoli soup, undiluted.

This is the key to creating the creamy sauce, so add it straight from the can rather than preparing it according to the directions on the can.

Milk

Use 2 cups milk to create the liquid needed to cook the macaroni and loosen the condensed soup into a creamy sauce.

Cheddar Cheese

You’ll need 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided.

Use 1½ cups in the casserole and save the remaining ½ cup for the cheesy topping.

Tools You’ll Need

Keep things simple! You’ll need:

9×13-inch casserole dish

Measuring cups

Mixing spoon or spatula

Aluminum foil

Oven

Lightly grease the casserole dish before adding the ingredients.

Easy Ingredient Variations

The original recipe is intentionally simple, but there are a few ways you can make it your own.

Try Different Cheese

Cheddar is classic here, but you could experiment with another shredded cheese if that's what you have available.

Add More Vegetables

For a heartier casserole, you could add cooked vegetables such as broccoli florets, peas, or another favorite vegetable. Just remember that the supplied recipe itself uses only the cream of broccoli soup as its broccoli component.

Add Protein

If you're looking to turn the casserole into a more substantial dinner, cooked chicken or another cooked protein could be added.

Keep in mind that these are optional variations—the original recipe is designed to be wonderfully simple with just four ingredients.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Macaroni Casserole

This is where the magic happens!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Add the Uncooked Macaroni

Spread 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.

There’s no need to boil the macaroni first. That’s one of the best parts of this recipe!

Step 3: Add the Creamy Mixture

Pour the undiluted cream of broccoli soup and 2 cups milk over the macaroni.

Add 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Stir Everything Together

Stir the ingredients gently until the macaroni is well coated with the creamy mixture.

Try to distribute everything as evenly as possible so the pasta cooks consistently.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.

The foil helps keep the moisture inside the dish while the uncooked macaroni cooks.

Step 6: Stir the Casserole

After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil and gently stir the casserole.

The macaroni should be well on its way to becoming tender and creamy.

Step 7: Add the Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

This is the part where you know you're getting close to something delicious!

Step 8: Finish Baking

Return the casserole to the oven uncovered.

Bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The top should look beautifully cheesy when it comes out.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

That short resting time gives everything a chance to settle before you dig in.

What to Serve With This Casserole

This creamy macaroni casserole is comforting enough to serve as a simple main dish, but it also pairs nicely with lighter sides.

Try serving it with:

A crisp green salad

Steamed vegetables

Roasted vegetables

Garlic bread

Dinner rolls

Fresh fruit

A simple salad alongside the rich, creamy casserole makes an especially nice combination.

Tips for Making the Best Casserole

Don’t Cook the Macaroni First

The recipe specifically uses uncooked macaroni. The pasta cooks in the creamy mixture while the casserole bakes.

Keep the Soup Undiluted

The cream of broccoli soup goes directly into the casserole without adding water.

Cover It Tightly for the First Bake

The covered portion of baking is important because the moisture helps cook the macaroni.

Stir After the First 35 Minutes

Once you remove the foil, give the casserole a gentle stir before adding the final cheese.

Watch the Final Baking Time

The recipe gives a 10–15 minute uncovered baking range. Check the macaroni for tenderness so you don't overbake it.

Let It Rest

Don't rush straight from oven to table. Give the casserole about 5 minutes to rest before serving.

Storage Instructions

Allow leftover casserole to cool, then refrigerate it in a covered container.

When reheating, warm individual portions until heated through. Because the macaroni can absorb some of the creamy sauce as it sits, leftovers may be a little thicker than they were when freshly baked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use uncooked macaroni?

Yes! In fact, that's exactly how this recipe is designed. The 2 cups elbow macaroni go directly into the casserole dish uncooked.

Do I dilute the cream of broccoli soup?

No. Use 2 cans of cream of broccoli soup undiluted.

Do I need to cook the macaroni before assembling the casserole?

No. That's one of the conveniences of this recipe. The macaroni cooks in the casserole while it bakes.

What temperature do I bake the casserole at?

Bake it at 350°F.

How long does the casserole bake?

It first bakes covered for 35 minutes. Then stir, add the remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the macaroni is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

The supplied recipe is written for baking immediately after assembly. If you want to prepare it ahead, keep in mind that the uncooked macaroni will absorb liquid as it sits, so the texture and baking time may change.

Why does the casserole need to be covered?

Covering the dish during the first stage helps retain moisture while the uncooked macaroni cooks.

General Recipe Information

Prep: Quick and simple

Bake: 45–50 minutes total

Oven: 350°F

Dish: 9×13-inch casserole dish

Servings: Varies depending on portion size

Main ingredients: Elbow macaroni, cream of broccoli soup, milk, cheddar cheese

Approximate Nutrition

Nutrition will vary depending on the specific brands of soup, milk, and cheddar cheese used and the number of servings.

As a general estimate, this casserole is a source of carbohydrates from the macaroni, protein and calcium from the cheese and milk, and fat from the cheese and condensed soup.

For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact products and portion sizes you use.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best family dinners are the ones that don't require a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen.

This creamy broccoli cheddar macaroni casserole takes just a few simple ingredients and turns them into a warm, cheesy, comforting dish that feels like exactly the kind of meal you want at the end of a busy day.

The best part? The macaroni goes into the casserole uncooked! Pour, stir, cover, bake, add more cheese, and finish until bubbly.

Simple, cozy, cheesy—and anything but boring!!

If you make it, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest. I’d love to see how your casserole turns out!

More Cozy Recipes to Try

If you're in the mood for more easy comfort food, try exploring:

Creamy baked pasta casseroles

Cheesy vegetable casseroles

Easy macaroni and cheese recipes

Broccoli and cheddar dinner ideas

Simple family-friendly casseroles

These are exactly the kinds of recipes that make weeknight cooking feel a little easier—and dinner a lot more comforting.