Missy'S Macaroni Surprise
A hearty baked macaroni and cheese casserole with seasoned ground beef and tomato paste, topped with cheese and encased in a flaky crescent crust, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 box Kraft Deluxe macaroni and cheese ⓘ
- shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can Italian tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) package Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion; cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato paste, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, oregano, and salt; mix well.
- Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles.
- Press the dough into a 9-inch pie plate to form a crust.
- Flute the edges of the crust.
- Fill the crust with the meat mixture and top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream to the meat mixture before filling the crust. If you want to spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. This recipe is versatile like the American recipes you love.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Missy’s Macaroni Surprise with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a slice of garlic bread to soak up any sauce. Consider serving it alongside a light soup, like Hearty Beef Chowder, to complement the flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can also elevate the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the crust from burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Missy'S Macaroni Surprise contains roughly 855 calories, with 44g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (107% of the Daily Value), protein (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1752mg per serving (76% 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 meat mixture and crust ahead of time. Assemble the pie but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge for an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring it heats through thoroughly.
What can I substitute for the tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. A mixture of diced tomatoes and a bit of tomato paste can also work well to maintain the flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to ensure the right taste balance.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Sauté them with the onions until tender before mixing with the meat. This makes a great addition, providing texture and freshness to the pie.
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).