Mt. Olympus Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender macaroni, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Kraft macaroni and cheese dinner as directed on the package.
- Spread half of the cooked macaroni in a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
- Top with the meat mixture and sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining macaroni on top of the meat layer.
- In a saucepan, melt margarine over low heat.
- Blend in flour, then gradually add milk, cooking and stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir a small amount of the sauce into the beaten eggs.
- Return the egg mixture to the sauce and mix well.
- Pour the sauce over the assembled macaroni and meat layers.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. If you want to spice things up, you can incorporate some diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the beef mixture. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also use whole wheat macaroni for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Mt. Olympus Bake is a hearty dish on its own, but you can serve it with a side of Quick And Easy Green Beans With Hamburger for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad or crusty bread would also complement the flavors beautifully. Consider pairing it with a light red wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mt. Olympus Bake contains roughly 713 calories, with 23g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg 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 layers ahead of time and assemble them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! You can use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce. Additionally, check the labels on the tomato sauce and cheese to ensure they are gluten-free.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Alternatively, nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free substitute that adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
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).