Macaroni By Catherine
A hearty, flavorful macaroni dish combining ground meats, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of savory spices and cheesy goodness that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground meat (1 lb. beef and 1 lb. sausage) ⓘ
- 1 small bunch celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 6 to 8 mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- dash of red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cumin
- 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, cut into cubes ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Dot the cooked macaroni with butter and keep warm.
- In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef and sausage until browned.
- Add chopped celery, minced garlic, sliced green pepper, and sliced mushrooms; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and cumin.
- Simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat and vegetable sauce.
- Add cubed Cheddar cheese and mix until cheese starts to melt.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before mixing in the macaroni. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage for a lighter version. If fresh mushrooms are unavailable, canned mushrooms can work as a quick substitute. Enhance the dish by adding a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty macaroni dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It's also delicious alongside grilled mushrooms as a lighter complement. For a fun twist, top with crushed tortilla chips or serve with a side of Easy-Does-It Donuts for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni By Catherine contains roughly 927 calories, with 53g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (243% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 903mg per serving (39% 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 make this macaroni dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately from the macaroni. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked macaroni. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta.
What type of cheese can I use instead of Cheddar?
You can substitute Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will melt differently, giving you a unique twist on the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the macaroni dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven or microwave.
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).