Cheesy Jack-O'-Lantern Macaroni Bake
Celebrate the spirit of Halloween with this fun and festive Cheesy Jack-O'-Lantern Macaroni Bake! Combining the beloved flavors of macaroni and cheese with savory ground beef and a tasty pizza sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also visually delightful. Perfect for a family dinner or a spooky gathering, this recipe allows you to create a playful jack-o'-lantern face using meat and sauce, making it a festive centerpiece for your table. Plus, it's simple to prepare and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
4
Servings
312
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
pizza sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (divided)
macaroni and cheese mix
1 (7 1/4 ounce) package
ground beef
1 lb (93% lean, cooked and drained, divided)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cook macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3
While the macaroni is cooking, remove 1/4 cup of pizza sauce from the can and set aside for later use.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, half of the prepared ground beef, the remaining pizza sauce, garlic powder, beaten egg, and dried basil.
5
Mix well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the macaroni is well coated.
6
Spoon the macaroni mixture evenly into a greased 9-inch pie plate, spreading it out for even baking.
7
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
8
In a separate small bowl, mix the reserved ground beef with the reserved pizza sauce.
9
Use this mixture to create a festive jack-o'-lantern face on top of the cheese, using the beef as the outline and filling for eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
10
Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11
Once done, remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
12
Enjoy your Cheesy Jack-O'-Lantern Macaroni Bake with a fresh salad for a balanced meal!
Nutrition Information
21g
Carbs
21g
Protein
1g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
400mg
Sodium
40mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Jack-O'-Lantern Macaroni Bake?
It is a festive Halloween-themed casserole that combines macaroni and cheese, ground beef, and pizza sauce, topped with a jack-o'-lantern face made from beef and cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How do I create the Jack-O'-Lantern face?
Mix reserved ground beef with a small amount of pizza sauce and use the mixture to outline eyes, a nose, and a mouth on top of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 9-inch pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Should the ground beef be cooked before assembly?
Yes, the 1 lb of ground beef should be cooked and drained before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What seasonings are added to the macaroni mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil leaves and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is there an egg in this recipe?
Yes, one lightly beaten egg is included to help bind the macaroni mixture.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 21 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 21 grams of carbohydrates.
How much pizza sauce is needed?
One 8-ounce can of pizza sauce is used, with a portion reserved for the face decoration.
How long should I let the dish stand after baking?
Let the bake stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar flavors and fun jack-o'-lantern design make it a great choice for children.
What type of macaroni should I use?
The recipe uses one 7.25-ounce package of macaroni and cheese mix.
How much fat is in this dish?
The specific fat content is not listed, but using 93% lean ground beef helps keep it lower in fat.
What is the sodium content per serving?
One serving contains 400mg of sodium.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 2 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 1 gram of fiber.
What is the cholesterol content?
There is 40mg of cholesterol per serving.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, cooked ground turkey could be used as a leaner substitute.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is classified as a One Dish Meal and a casserole.
How do I prepare the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain.
What should I serve as a side?
A fresh salad is recommended for a balanced and complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a Halloween party?
Absolutely, its festive appearance makes it a perfect centerpiece for spooky gatherings.
Can I use a different type of cheese than mozzarella?
While mozzarella melts well for the base, you could use white cheddar or Monterey Jack as alternatives.
Do I use the entire can of pizza sauce in the mix?
No, you should remove 1/4 cup of the sauce from the can and set it aside to mix with the beef for the face.
What is the preparation time for the macaroni mix?
You only need to cook the noodles until al dente before mixing; the baking takes an additional 15 minutes.