There’s nothing quite like a warm tray of Baked Macaroni to bring smiles to the table. Creamy, cheesy, meaty, and deeply comforting , this Filipino-style baked macaroni recipe is a guaranteed hit for family meals, gatherings, or just when you’re craving something hearty and nostalgic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the richness of a cheesy Mornay sauce with the bold flavor of a savory meat sauce
- A perfect alternative to lasagna or mac and cheese
- Ideal for parties, potlucks, and holidays
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients
Ingredients Overview
For the Pasta:
- Elbow macaroni – cooked until just al dente
Meat Sauce:
- Ground beef
- Butter
- Onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Paprika
- Beef cube
- Water
- Sugar, salt & pepper
Mornay Sauce (White Cheese Sauce):
- Butter & flour
- Fresh milk
- Parmesan & cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni just shy of well-done. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a pot, melt butter and cook ground beef until browned. Add onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Simmer until soft. Mix in tomato paste, paprika, beef cube, and water. Let it cook for 20 minutes. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the Mornay Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute without browning. Whisk in milk, let it thicken, then add cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth.
4. Assemble and Bake
Mix macaroni with meat sauce. Pour into a baking dish. Spread Mornay sauce on top. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add hotdogs or ham for a Filipino party twist
- Swap ground beef with ground pork or chicken
- Top with extra cheese before baking for a golden crust
- Use evaporated milk for a richer white sauce
Baked Macaroni Recip
Ingredients
Method
- Boil elbow macaroni just shy of well-done. Drain and set aside.
- In a pot, melt butter and cook ground beef until browned. Add onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Simmer until soft. Mix in tomato paste, paprika, beef cube, and water. Let it cook for 20 minutes. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute without browning. Whisk in milk, let it thicken, then add cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix macaroni with meat sauce. Pour into a baking dish. Spread Mornay sauce on top. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Macaroni recipe is comfort food done right. With rich meat sauce, creamy Mornay topping, and the perfect pasta bite, it’s a classic that every Filipino household will love.
Try Next:
- Creamy Baked Spaghetti
- Filipino-Style Lasagna
- Chicken Macaroni Salad
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