This wagon wheel pasta casserole is basically a baked macaroni and cheese in a fun shape. Kids love wagon wheels but feel free to use macaroni or shells in the recipe. This is a recipe you’ll make again and again.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese – Use another melty cheese or a combination of cheeses. Some good choices are Gruyère, fontina, cheddar jack, pepper jack, or colby.
- Pasta – Make the casserole with macaroni, mini penne, or another short pasta.
- Protein – Add diced ham, leftover chopped chicken or turkey, or sliced smoked sausage.
- Vegetables – Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or thawed frozen vegetables, such as peas and carrots.
Cheesy Wagon Wheel Pasta Bake
Mini wagon wheel pasta makes a fun, kid-friendly casserole. It’s a recipe you’ll make again and again.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Cheese, Casseroles
- Method: BAke
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces mini wagon wheels (or elbow macaroni or shells)
- 6 tablespoons butter (divided use)
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups milk or part half-and-half or light cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion tops, optional
- 2 cups shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs or soft fine bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook macaroni following package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse with hot water; set aside.
- Heat the oven to 350 F.
- Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Stir flour into the butter until smooth and bubbly. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the dry mustard, salt, and pepper; blend well. Gradually whisk the milk into the roux and continue cooking until thickened. Add the green onions, if using, along with the cheese; stir until smooth.
- Combine the drained pasta wheels and the sauce; turn into the prepared baking dish.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the bread crumbs until thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the casserole.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the pasta mixture hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is lightly browned.
