Macaroni Paprikash
Creamy and hearty macaroni paprikash combines tender pasta with savory ground beef, mushrooms, and a rich paprika sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, drain, and return to the pot.
- Sauté chopped onion in butter in a large skillet until translucent, then push aside.
- Shape ground beef into a large patty in the same skillet.
- Brown the beef for 5 minutes on each side, then break into chunks.
- Add flour, paprika, salt, beef bouillon cube, milk, chopped mushrooms, and liquid from mushrooms to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils for 1 minute.
- Blend about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into the sour cream, then stir back into the skillet.
- Stir the sauce into the cooked macaroni and add chopped parsley.
- Transfer to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs and paprika.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, or add a bit of cream cheese. If you're short on time, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. Fresh mushrooms can replace canned ones for a more robust flavor. A touch of cayenne pepper can add some heat if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Macaroni Paprikash pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a fun twist, try it alongside roasted garlic bread as a comforting side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much. This dish also freezes well; just thaw completely before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Paprikash contains roughly 1109 calories, with 29g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (151% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2177mg per serving (95% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and sauce in advance. Just combine them before baking and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed. This is a great dish for meal prep or family gatherings.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP). Additionally, replace the beef bouillon cube with vegetable broth for a flavorful base.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce turns out too thick, simply stir in a little more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Remember to heat it gently to avoid curdling the sour cream. Adjust the seasoning as needed after adding liquid.
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).