Macetti
Macetti is a hearty baked pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, tomato soup, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Add chopped celery, onions, green peppers, and garlic to the browned meat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and steam until vegetables are tender.
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling water and drain.
- Mix the cooked noodles with the meat and vegetable mixture, tomato soup, mushrooms, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish 2 inches deep.
- Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before baking.
- To serve, place the casserole in a cold oven at 250°F and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones. To make it lighter, ground turkey can replace ground beef. Ensure the noodles are not overcooked before mixing, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This dish can also be made in advance, just like the Zesty Beef-Biscuit Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Macetti casserole is great on its own, but it pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving with garlic bread or crusty rolls for added texture. A light vinaigrette can complement the flavors nicely. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside Meat Loaf In A Mug(Microwave) for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macetti contains roughly 937 calories, with 48g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value), calcium (102% of the Daily Value), and protein (96% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2188mg 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 freeze the Macetti casserole before baking?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed. This makes it a convenient meal prep option.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don’t have tomato soup, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Just ensure to season it well as tomato soup typically has added flavors. This allows for a more personalized taste while keeping the dish hearty.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Macetti vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a combination of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cheese substitute to maintain creaminess. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version that still satisfies.
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).