Marvelous Shells ‘n’ Cheese

Name: Marvelous Shells 'n' Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells; 1 package (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed; 1/3 cup 2% milk; 2 cups (16 ounces) 2% cottage cheese; 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted; 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 2/3 cup dry bread crumbs; 1/4 cup butter, melted

Says Lauren Versweyveld of Delavan, Wisconsin: “This macaroni dish is so good! I adapted the recipe from one my mother makes, but she agrees that my version is rich and delicious. It’s easy to assemble and always receives rave reviews.”

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells
1 package (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/3 cup 2% milk
2 cups (16 ounces) 2% cottage cheese
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
2/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine process cheese and milk; cook and stir over low heat until melted. Remove from the heat. Stir in cottage cheese and soup.
Drain pasta and add to cheese sauce; stir until coated. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend. Toss bread crumbs with butter; sprinkle over the top.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately. Freeze option: Do not prepare bread crumbs until later. Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Prepare bread crumbs as directed; sprinkle over top. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 839 calories, 42g fat (25g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1636mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 40g protein.

Originally published as Marvelous Macaroni and Cheese in Simple & Delicious January/February 2008

Reviews

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Average Rating:

lou7752

Sep 6, 2013

MAKE IT FOR POT LUCKS AT WORK EVERY ONE LOVES IT AND I ADD SOME HAM DELICIOUS
wintermom9597

Aug 28, 2012

No problem finding the cream of onion soup. Made the recipe exactly as printed and dish was delicious. Kids loved it.
smokingdragons

Apr 14, 2009

made this and thought it was very good, but when I make any type of baked macroni and cheese I always throw in any types of leftover cheese I have in the frig.So I added sharp cheddar and monterey jack. Did not have any cottage cheese so left that out.Just added more cheese. I found the cream of onion soup at Walmart. Thought it added a different flavor and very good. I also added pepper. Didn't have bread crumbs so I used French's fried onions on the top. very good recipe.
Classicrock

Feb 25, 2009

A little too bland for us, as well. Unfortunately, the cheese items didn't help much in enhancing the taste even when I increased their portions.
patricia07

Feb 20, 2009

next time I would spice it somewhat with Cayenne or hot peppers. A little too bland for us. Durango
kaysrice

Jan 28, 2009

I couldn't find cream of onion either, so I mixed a can of cream of chicken with a pack of onion soup mix. Everyone thought it was great.
camorgan

Jan 26, 2009

I bought some cream of onion at Wal-mart recently.
doreen643

Jan 26, 2009

I did a quick check on www.cambell.com and I see cream of onion still available. If your grocery store doesn't offer it, you might ask them to order it for you.This recipe sounds like a yummy comfort food item! Thanks!Doreen
jeanninewestervelt

Jan 26, 2009

I agree, that's the first thing that crossed my mind. Where do you find cream of onion soup ?
peggim

Jan 26, 2009

Where do you find Cream of Onion soup? I haven't seen it for over 30 years.