Mama O'S Macaroni Pie
Creamy and cheesy Mama O's Macaroni Pie combines tender elbow macaroni with rich cheese and a seasoned egg-milk mixture, baked to golden perfection—ideal comfort food for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cook macaroni as directed on the box.
- Drain water from cooked macaroni and mix in butter, salt, and pepper.
- Pour half of the macaroni into a 2-quart casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the macaroni.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining macaroni and cheese.
- In a bowl, add milk to the beaten egg and pour the mixture over the layered macaroni and cheese.
- Place pats of butter around on top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle paprika on top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra creaminess, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking. You can also substitute the medium Cheddar cheese with sharp Cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked macaroni or even leftover pasta to speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama O'S Macaroni Pie alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Homemade Graham Nuts for dessert, creating a comforting comfort food spread. For a heartier option, consider serving it with roasted chicken or grilled sausages.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover macaroni pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, checking for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama O'S Macaroni Pie contains roughly 841 calories, with 29g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (79% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1457mg per serving (63% 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 pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni pie up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While small elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as shells or penne. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked to al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the layers for added flavor and texture. Additionally, a sprinkle of garlic powder or your favorite herbs can elevate the dish further.
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).