Ultimate Cheesy Baked Macaroni: A Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Dish
Cheesy Baked Macaroni Recipe
Cheesy Baked Macaroni is the ultimate comfort foodβa rich, creamy, and extra-meaty pasta bake loaded with three types of cheese, savory ground meat, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or holiday feasts, this Filipino-style baked mac is guaranteed to disappear fast!
π½ Pair with garlic bread β For the ultimate carb feast. π₯ Serve with a fresh salad β To balance the richness. π Great for Noche Buena β A Filipino holiday staple!
Pro Tricks for the Best Baked Mac
β¨ Use evaporated milk for extra creaminess. π₯ Broil for 2-3 mins at the end for an extra-crispy top. π§ Mix in Velveeta or cream cheese for next-level cheesiness.
This Cheesy Baked Macaroni is pure comfort in every biteβgooey, meaty, and impossible to resist!
This cheesy baked macaroni recipe is delicious, cheesy, and meatier pasta. This can be the best way to prepare for get-together, picnics, special events, and holidays. The richer and cheesier the baked macaroni, the better. This is one of my family's favorite baked pasta dishes. Try this recipe to make at home; surely your whole family will enjoy it.
Ingredients
1pck small elbow macaroni (45 grams)
1cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
For the Meat Sauce
500g ground beef
1 white onion (peeled and diced)
3clove garlic (peeled and minced)
1small red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
1small green bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
500g tomato sauce (original)
1cup banana ketchup (sweet and spicy)
1cup beef broth
1tsp sugar
1/2tsp Italian seasoning
salt and pepper (to taste)
Cheese Sauce for Topping
3tbsp butter
1/2cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2cup fresh milk
1/2cup quick melt cheese
salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Boil the Pasta:
1
Cook the pasta per the package directions. Then drain the liquid and set it aside.
For the Meat Sauce:
2
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute until softened. Add the bell peppers and saute for 3 minutes.
3
Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks and letting the fat render. Cook for about 10 minutes, until lightly browned.
4
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and beef broth.
Note: If beef broth is not available, use 1 cup of water and add 1 beef broth cube.
5
Stir in sugar and Italian seasoning, cover, and let it boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately an hour, or until the sauce has thickened.
6
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it accordingly. Once cooked, set it aside.
For the Cheese Sauce:
7
In a sauce pan over medium-low heat, add the butter and let it melt.
8
Add the all-purpose flour. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes.
9
Pour in the milk. While heating the milk, continuously whisk the mixture until the flour is completely dissolved.
10
Add the quick-melt cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and well combined with the mixture. Turn the heat off.
To Assemble:
11
Grease the bottom and sides of the baking dish with butter or oil (size of your choice) and set aside.
12
Combine macaroni and meat sauce in a large mixing bowl, and add shredded cheddar cheese.
13
Gently toss it all together until everything is well combined.
14
Place the macaroni mixture on a baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese sauce. Make sure the sauce covers the entire surface. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
15
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
16
Remove from the oven, set aside to cool, and serve. Happy cooking! Share and enjoy the pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories507kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat22.5g35%
Saturated Fat12.5g63%
Cholesterol125mg42%
Sodium1363mg57%
Potassium999mg29%
Total Carbohydrate37.5g13%
Dietary Fiber2.9g12%
Sugars19.4g
Protein39.7g80%
Calcium 24 mg
Iron 100 mg
Vitamin D 38 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.