Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Cream of Broccoli Macaroni

There is something wonderfully comforting about a warm, creamy macaroni casserole fresh from the oven. This Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Cream of Broccoli Macaroni is a simple, hearty dish that brings together tender pasta, creamy broccoli soup, melted cheese, and broccoli florets in one delicious baked meal. Inspired by the traditional Amish approach to home cooking, this recipe focuses on simple ingredients, easy preparation, and satisfying homemade flavor.

Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner, looking for an easy side dish for a holiday meal, or simply craving something cheesy and comforting, this macaroni casserole is a wonderful choice. You don’t need a long shopping list or complicated cooking techniques. With just four main ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can create a creamy, golden-topped dish that everyone will want another serving of.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only four ingredients: You don’t need an extensive list of ingredients to make a delicious casserole.
Creamy and cheesy: The cream of broccoli soup and melted cheese create a rich, comforting sauce.
Easy preparation: Most of the work involves cooking the pasta, mixing the ingredients, and letting the oven do the rest.
Family-friendly: The familiar combination of macaroni, cheese, and broccoli makes this dish appealing to both children and adults.
Perfect for busy evenings: It can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses four simple main ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the creamy texture and comforting flavor.

1. Elbow Macaroni (2 cups uncooked)

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice because its curved shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also use small shells or another short pasta if that’s what you have available.

2. Cream of Broccoli Soup (2 cans, approximately 10.5 ounces each)

This is the ingredient that gives the casserole its signature creamy broccoli flavor. The condensed soup creates a convenient sauce without requiring you to prepare one from scratch.

3. Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups)

Cheddar cheese adds richness, a savory flavor, and that irresistible melted cheese texture. Sharp cheddar gives the dish a stronger flavor, while mild cheddar creates a softer, more traditional taste.

4. Broccoli Florets (2 cups)

Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well. They add color, texture, and a little freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and creamy soup.

Optional: A little black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika can be added for extra flavor, but these are not necessary for the basic four-ingredient recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. An approximately 9-by-13-inch casserole dish works well, although a slightly smaller dish can also be used if you prefer a thicker casserole.

Set the prepared dish aside while you work on the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, but stop about 1–2 minutes before it reaches full tenderness.

This is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Slightly undercooking it helps prevent the macaroni from becoming too soft or mushy after baking.

Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly. Avoid rinsing it, as the remaining starch helps the creamy sauce cling to the pasta.