Mamie'S Saints Special
A comforting baked macaroni and beef casserole with tomatoes and a hint of sweetness, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain.
- Brown hamburger in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Squash canned tomatoes and sprinkle with sugar.
- Combine cooked macaroni, browned hamburger, and tomatoes in a large bowl.
- Mix in the can of tomato paste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the mixture before baking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter option. If fresh tomatoes are available, use them instead of canned; just be sure to remove the skins for a smoother sauce. Enhance the flavor by adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mamie’s Saints Special with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Basic Vegetable Soups for a cozy dinner. For added richness, consider serving it alongside a creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mamie'S Saints Special contains roughly 539 calories, with 21g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% 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 Mamie's Saints Special a day in advance. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I do if I don’t have tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, though the dish may be slightly less thick. To compensate, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
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).