Pizzeria Macaroni
A cheesy, flavorful baked macaroni dish with seasoned meat and tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; pour off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the meat and cook until tender.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the egg and milk mixture until well coated.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Spread the meat sauce over the macaroni.
- Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of ricotta cheese to the macaroni mixture before baking. If you prefer a veggie-packed dish, you can substitute half the ground beef with sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms. Additionally, feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste, or try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Pizzeria Macaroni pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It’s also a great dish to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights. For more comforting dishes, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizzeria Macaroni contains roughly 580 calories, with 14g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (91% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for added flavor. Just ensure they melt well to achieve that gooey texture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh. You might also consider adding more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to boost the nutrition.
How can I make this meal more filling?
To make this dish more filling, consider adding cooked vegetables like peas, broccoli, or even a layer of sautéed mushrooms. You can also serve it with a side of baked garlic bread for extra carbs.
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).