Best 2 Meaty Macaroni Bake Recipes

Indulge in the tantalizing aroma of cheesy, meaty macaroni bake, a culinary symphony of flavors that will delight your palate. This classic comfort food combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, from the tender macaroni to the savory meat and the gooey, melted cheese. Whether you're looking for a hearty family meal, a potluck dish, or a cozy dinner, this meaty macaroni bake is sure to satisfy. Explore our collection of three delectable recipes, each offering a unique twist on this iconic dish. From a classic version packed with ground beef and cheddar cheese to a lightened-up rendition featuring ground turkey and a creamy white sauce, and a vegetarian delight brimming with roasted vegetables and a flavorful cheese blend, there's a recipe here to suit every taste and dietary preference.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MACARONI PASTA BAKE

Macaroni Pasta Bake image

This Macaroni Pasta Bake is easy to make with ground beef, marinara sauce, pasta and cheese. Use elbow macaroni or any short pasta shape in this comforting baked pasta casserole.

Provided by Kristine Rosenblatt

Categories Main Course

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

16 ounces elbow pasta (or other short pasta shape)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 bell pepper (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
32 ounces marinara sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or other large rectangular baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Be careful to not overcook the pasta. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Return the drained pasta to the pot.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper to the pan and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the ground beef to the pan. Crumble the beef and cook until it is browned.
Pour the marinara sauce and reserved ½ cup of pasta cooking water into the skillet. Stir in the salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Pour the meat and sauce mixture from the skillet into the pot with the pasta. Stir. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with the mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is lightly browned on top. Let stand for 5 minutes and then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 401 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Cholesterol 61 mg, Sodium 836 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MACARONI AND BEEF CASSEROLE

Macaroni and Beef Casserole image

This homey casserole was developed by Pierre Franey in 1991 for the 60-Minute Gourmet column. It is hearty sustenance that evokes memories of childhood and sweater weather. Its preparation is simple, but its flavors veer elegant. Sauté onions, celery, green peppers and garlic. Add the meat, then oregano, basil and tomatoes. Whisk together a quick Cheddar cheese bechamel that's seasoned with cayenne and nutmeg then pour it on top. At the last minute, sprinkle a little Parmesan on top and slide it under a broiler to brown. Serve with crisp green salad and a hunk of French bread. Comfort food at its finest.

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories dinner, casseroles, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

2 quarts water
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 pound lean ground beef chuck or round steak
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley
1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups cubed or shredded Cheddar cheese
Cayenne pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Bring the water with salt to a boil. Add the macaroni; stir and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a skillet, heat the oil and add the onions, celery, green pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring, until wilted. Add the meat, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the meat loses its red color. Add the oregano, basil and tomatoes. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the cooked macaroni. Blend well and set aside. Keep warm.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan, and stir in the flour with a wire whisk until well-blended. Add the milk, stirring rapidly, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat, and stir in the Cheddar cheese, cayenne, nutmeg, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts.
Preheat broiler.
Spoon the macaroni mixture into a baking dish measuring 7 by 10 by 2 1/2 inches. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the macaroni mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and place under the broiler (about 4 to 5 inches from the heat source) until it is hot, bubbling and lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 763, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fat 41 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 52 grams, SaturatedFat 21 grams, Sodium 2138 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 1 gram

Tips:

Use a variety of cheeses: This will give your macaroni bake a more complex and flavorful taste. A good combination is a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy and ruin the texture of your bake.
Don't skimp on the meat: The meat is the star of this dish, so make sure you use a good quality ground beef or sausage. If you're using ground beef, be sure to brown it well before adding it to the macaroni.
Add some vegetables: Vegetables will add color, flavor, and nutrients to your macaroni bake. Some good options include chopped bell peppers, onions, carrots, and peas.
Season the macaroni bake well: Don't be afraid to add some salt, pepper, and other spices to your macaroni bake. This will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Top with a crispy breadcrumb topping: This will add a delicious crunch to your macaroni bake. To make the breadcrumb topping, simply mix together some bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.

Conclusion:

Meaty macaroni bake is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own tastes. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni bake that is cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying. So next time you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal, give this meaty macaroni bake a try.