Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Cream of Broccoli Macaroni

There is something wonderfully comforting about a warm, cheesy macaroni casserole fresh from the oven. This Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Cream of Broccoli Macaroni brings together simple ingredients, creamy textures, and old-fashioned homemade flavor in one satisfying dish. Inspired by the traditional Amish approach to cooking, this recipe focuses on making delicious food without complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients.

With just four main ingredients, this casserole is an easy choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want something warm and filling. Tender macaroni is combined with creamy broccoli soup, fresh broccoli, and shredded cheese before being baked until bubbly and golden around the edges.

The best part is that everything comes together with minimal preparation. You don’t need a complicated cheese sauce or several pots and pans. Simply cook the macaroni, mix the ingredients, transfer everything to a baking dish, and let the oven do the rest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only four ingredients: You don’t need an extensive grocery list to prepare a delicious homemade casserole.
Creamy and cheesy: The cream of broccoli soup creates a rich sauce that coats every piece of macaroni.
Easy preparation: A few simple steps are all it takes to get this dish ready for the oven.
Family-friendly: The combination of pasta, broccoli, and cheese makes it a comforting meal that both adults and children can enjoy.
Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it convenient for lunch or another dinner the following day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses four simple ingredients that work together to create a creamy, satisfying casserole.

1. Macaroni – 2 cups uncooked

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice because its small shape holds 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 (10.5 ounces each)

This is the ingredient that gives the casserole its signature creamy texture and broccoli flavor. The condensed soup creates a convenient sauce without requiring additional cooking or complicated preparation.

3. Broccoli florets – 2 cups

Fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and a little freshness to the rich pasta. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly throughout the casserole. Frozen broccoli can also be used after thawing and draining it well.

4. Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups

Cheddar provides the delicious cheesy flavor that makes this macaroni casserole so satisfying. Sharp cheddar gives a stronger flavor, while mild cheddar creates a softer, more traditional taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent the macaroni from sticking and make serving easier once the casserole is finished.

Set the prepared baking 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 uncooked elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by approximately 2 minutes.

The pasta should be slightly firm rather than completely soft. This is important because it will continue cooking in the oven as it absorbs some of the creamy sauce.

Once the macaroni is ready, drain it thoroughly and set it aside. Avoid rinsing it, as the remaining starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the broccoli.

Wash the fresh broccoli florets and cut them into small, evenly sized pieces. Smaller florets distribute more evenly throughout the casserole and are easier to eat with the macaroni.

For a softer broccoli texture, steam the florets for approximately 3 minutes before adding them to the mixture. If you prefer your broccoli with a little more bite, you can add the raw florets directly to the casserole.

If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and remove excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.