Mediterranean Harmony Macaroni Bake
Dive into a comforting blend of flavors with this Mediterranean Harmony Macaroni Bake. This recipe is a cherished family favorite, inspired by my mother’s timeless cooking that brought the taste of Greece straight to our dinner table. Rich ground beef and aromatic spices create a savory meat layer, while the creamy macaroni filling provides a delightful contrast. Each bite tells a story of love and nostalgia, making this dish perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting memories with this delicious bake!
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
3/4 lb (browned and crumbled)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Tomato Paste
6 ounces (no preparation needed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Flour
1/4 cup (no preparation needed)
Milk
2 cups (no preparation needed)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Elbow Macaroni
16 ounces (cooked al dente)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions, breaking the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the tomato paste, salt, and cinnamon into the meat mixture, ensuring everything is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a medium saucepan, combine the mayonnaise and flour. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and well-blended. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (do not allow it to boil).
5
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then gradually add the thickened sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg until well-mixed.
6
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and return to the pot. Pour the sauce over the macaroni and mix well.
7
In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the macaroni mixture on the bottom, followed by the meat mixture. Top with the remaining macaroni mixture, spreading it evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
32g
Carbs
11.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Harmony Macaroni Bake?
It is a comforting Greek-inspired casserole featuring ground beef, aromatic spices, and a creamy macaroni filling.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato paste, milk, mayonnaise, flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 320 calories per serving.
Is this recipe inspired by any specific cuisine?
Yes, it is inspired by traditional Greek cooking and the creator's mother's recipes.
What type of pasta is best for this bake?
The recipe specifically calls for 16 ounces of elbow macaroni.
How long should the dish be baked?
It should be baked in a preheated oven for 45 minutes.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What meat is used for the savory layer?
3/4 pound of ground beef is used for the meat layer.
Can I use different ground meat?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you could likely substitute with ground lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile.
How is the creamy sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by whisking mayonnaise, flour, and milk in a saucepan until thickened, then adding beaten eggs, Parmesan, and nutmeg.
Is mayonnaise a key ingredient?
Yes, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise is used to help create the creamy base for the macaroni sauce.
Which spices are added to the meat?
The meat mixture is seasoned with salt and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Does the recipe include cheese?
Yes, it uses 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in the sauce mixture.
How should the dish be layered?
Layer half the macaroni on the bottom, add the meat mixture in the middle, and top with the remaining macaroni.
Should the fat be drained from the beef?
Yes, once the ground beef and onions are browned, you should drain any excess fat.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires a 6-ounce container of tomato paste.
Can I use whole milk for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cups of milk, and whole milk would work well for a rich texture.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much protein does this bake provide?
Each serving contains 11.2 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 32 grams of carbohydrates.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is required.
Should the macaroni be cooked before adding it to the dish?
Yes, the elbow macaroni should be cooked according to package instructions until al dente.
What does al dente mean for the macaroni?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, the description notes it is a perfect dish for family gatherings or potlucks.
What thickens the sauce?
A combination of flour, milk, and eggs is used to thicken the sauce into a creamy consistency.
Is nutmeg used in this dish?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg is mixed into the sauce.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Should the bake cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Key tags include Greek, macaroni, baked casserole, comfort food, and Mediterranean.