Baked Macaroni with Bolognese Sauce

c
@cocinero44

Nothing is better for cold winter days than a hearty dish that combines meat and pasta in a unique way, like a gratin. Today’s recipe is for delicious Baked Macaroni with Bolognese Sauce. Despite being simple to prepare, this dish stands out for being both flavorful and filling, providing that...

Baked Macaroni with Bolognese Sauce recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

Main Ingredients

  • macaroni pasta
    macaroni pasta
    400g
  • ground beef
    ground beef
    400g
  • onion finely chopped
    onion finely chopped
    1
  • butter
    butter
    50g
  • tomatoes peeled, seeded, and crushed
    tomatoes peeled, seeded, and crushed
    4
  • oregano
    oregano
    1tsp
  • mozzarella cheese
    mozzarella cheese
    100g
  • garlic, finely chopped
    garlic, finely chopped
    1clove
  • Salt
    Salt
  • Pepper
    Pepper
  • Oil
    Oil

How to make Baked Macaroni with Bolognese Sauce

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Step 1

    In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of hot oil until it becomes translucent.

  2. Step 2

    Add the ground beef mixed with the chopped garlic and season with a pinch of salt. Stir until the meat releases all its water and it has evaporated.

  3. Step 3

    Add the tomatoes and oregano to the skillet and cook until the mixture thickens into a sauce.

Cook the Pasta

  1. Step 1

    Cook the macaroni in plenty of salted water with a tablespoon of oil or butter.

  2. Step 2

    Boil for about 8 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

  3. Step 3

    Drain the pasta and place it in an oven-safe dish.

Assemble and Bake

  1. Step 1

    Cover the pasta with the meat sauce, then top with the mozzarella cheese and small pieces of butter.

  2. Step 2

    Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the surface is golden brown.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

537.5kcal (26.88%)

Protein

30.8g (61.5%)

Carbs

40.0g (14.55%)

Sugars

1.5g (3%)

Healthy Fat

12.6g

Unhealthy Fat

15.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For added flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

  2. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.

  3. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat sauce.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

    Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta types like penne or fusilli.

  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving.

  3. What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?

    You can use other melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda as a substitute for mozzarella.

  4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

    You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.

  5. Can I freeze leftovers?

    Yes, you can freeze the baked macaroni in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

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