Creamed Macaroni Meat Bake
Creamed macaroni with savory ground meat, creamy cheese, and a cheesy topping makes this hearty bake perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic to the meat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and cover to simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and beaten egg.
- Mix the cheese mixture with cooked macaroni.
- In a 2-quart baking dish, layer half of the macaroni mixture, then half of the meat mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni and meat mixtures.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until hot.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top and bake until melted, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the lean ground meat and Greek yogurt for the sour cream. This dish also works well with whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad dressed in Yogurt Or Sour Cream Dressing for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or steamed vegetables also make great accompaniments. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light dessert like Granny Myers Egg Custard Pie to balance the richness of the bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Macaroni Meat Bake contains roughly 353 calories, with 22g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1653mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can definitely use different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, ensuring it remains al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this bake, simply replace the ground meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).