Best 2 Meaty Macaroni Recipes

If you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal, meaty macaroni is a great option. Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, this dish is a classic for a reason. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, meaty macaroni is sure to satisfy.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MEATY MACARONI BAKE

Meaty Macaroni Bake image

We go to lots of rodeos. This is an ideal casserole to make in the morning and pop into the oven when we get home.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jar (14 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup canola oil
1 package (7 ounces) elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 cans (4 ounces each) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup soft bread crumbs
Additional mozzarella cheese, optional

Steps:

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add the spaghetti sauce, water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes., In a large bowl, combine the eggs, oil, macaroni, mushrooms, cheeses and bread crumbs. Spoon into a 3-qt. baking dish. Top with meat mixture. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese if desired. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 441 calories, Fat 21g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 810mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

MEATY MACARONI

Meaty Macaroni image

This recipe is always fast to make, and the kids certainly enjoy it. I sometimes use my homemade canned spaghetti sauce.-Carolyn Rausch, St. Lucas, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 jar (14 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

Crumble beef into a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish. Add onion and green pepper. Cover and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, stirring once; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce, macaroni, water, salt and pepper. , Cover and microwave on high for 9 minutes, stirring once. Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 338 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 462mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

Tips:

Use a variety of meats. Ground beef, sausage, and bacon are all popular choices, but you can also use lamb, pork, or chicken. If you're using a leaner meat, like ground turkey, add some extra fat, such as olive oil or butter, to the pan before you brown it.
Don't overcook the meat. Overcooked meat is tough and dry. Cook the meat until it's just cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Use a good quality pasta. A good quality pasta will hold its shape and won't get mushy. Look for a pasta that is made from durum wheat and has a slightly rough texture.
Cook the pasta al dente. Al dente pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but taste it a few minutes before the recommended cooking time is up. If it's still too firm, cook it for a few more minutes.
Use a flavorful sauce. The sauce is what really makes the macaroni and cheese. Use a sauce that is flavorful and creamy. You can use a simple cheese sauce, or you can add other ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood.
Top it with cheese. A layer of cheese on top of the macaroni and cheese is essential. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère.
Bake it until it's bubbly and golden brown. Baking the macaroni and cheese will help to thicken the sauce and create a crispy top. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes, or until it's bubbly and golden brown.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious.