Baked Macaroni Casserole – Recipe and Preparation Method

Baked Macaroni Casserole – Recipe and Preparation Method

Baked macaroni casserole is a delightful appetizer that can be served at gatherings and special occasions. This dish is popular among both kids and adults due to its delicious taste and ease of preparation. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare and serves eight people.

Ingredients for Baked Macaroni Casserole:

• 500 grams of small-sized macaroni

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
• 500 grams of ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of tomato paste
• 1/2 cup of ketchup
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of mixed spices
• 1 teaspoon of crushed chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 4 cups of warm water
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley

Preparation Method:

1. Prepare the Macaroni:

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and place the macaroni in a baking tray. Toast the macaroni in the oven on the middle rack for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
   • While the macaroni is toasting, fill a large pot with water, add a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of sunflower oil, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove the toasted macaroni from the oven and add it to the boiling water. Cook the macaroni for 10 minutes or until fully cooked.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a medium-sized pot, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and stir continuously using a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef loses its moisture and begins to brown.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat, stirring well. Then add the tomato paste, ketchup, salt, black pepper, mixed spices, crushed chili flakes, and ground cumin. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
   • Add the water and chopped parsley, stir again, and allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Drain the macaroni and place it in an oven-safe serving dish. Pour the prepared meat sauce over the macaroni and mix well using a spatula.
   • Place the dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.

4. Serve:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and serve immediately while hot.

Enjoy this savory baked macaroni casserole, perfect for family gatherings and a surefire crowd-pleaser!