"More"(Main Dish)
A hearty baked macaroni dish with savory ground meat, vegetables, olives, and cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich, flavorful flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni, rinse and drain.
- Brown ground meat with sliced peppers, sliced onions, and sliced mushrooms; add sliced olives after cooking.
- Drain excess fat. Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat and vegetable mixture, tomato paste, water, and grated cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake covered at 300°F for 2 hours.
- Uncover during the last half hour of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking. You can substitute ground meat with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter dish. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked macaroni can save you a step. Enhance the flavor by adding some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Sister Myrtle Ragon Homemade Rolls for a comforting meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a fun twist, top with additional grated cheese or fresh herbs before serving. It's also excellent with a side of garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "More"(Main Dish) contains roughly 706 calories, with 47g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (94% of the Daily Value), iron (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 627mg per serving (27% 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 the entire dish ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or potlucks.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
If you don’t have large macaroni on hand, any short pasta like penne or fusilli would work well. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta or even quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, spinach, or carrots. Just make sure to sauté them with the onions and peppers to bring out their flavors before mixing them into the dish.
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).