Macaroni Swinny Pie
A hearty baked pasta dish featuring macaroni, seasoned ground beef, savory sauce, and mushrooms, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 10-inch pie pan.
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with sliced celery; drain excess fat.
- Stir in prepared spaghetti sauce and sliced mushrooms.
- Simmer mixture for 15 minutes.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the meat sauce.
- Beat eggs and mix with Parmesan cheese and garlic salt.
- Spread the macaroni mixture in the prepared pie pan.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the macaroni mixture before baking. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use gluten-free macaroni for dietary needs. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor, similar to what you'd find in American recipes like Western Hash Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Macaroni Swinny Pie with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables pairs nicely too. For a heartier option, consider serving with a bowl of Cheesy Chili For A Crowd. This dish makes for great leftovers, perfect for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Swinny Pie contains roughly 251 calories, with 13g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 576mg per serving (25% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and meat sauce in advance and assemble the pie. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's chilled from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to replace the meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat sauce. You can also top the pie with a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese before baking for an extra kick.
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).