Stuffaronis
Stuffaronis are hearty baked pasta dishes with savory meat, spinach, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, flavorful ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. large macaroni or flat lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. pork sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cooked spinach ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted water for 15 minutes; drain.
- Add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine garlic, onion, ground beef, and pork sausage and sauté in oil for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Mix bread crumbs, cooked spinach, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg, then add to the meat mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also swap out the pork sausage for a vegetarian sausage if desired. To enhance flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the meat mixture. Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Stuffaronis with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Nadine'S Spaghetti Sauce for those who enjoy a saucier dish. For additional flavor, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving, and consider a drizzle of olive oil or a touch of balsamic vinegar.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffaronis contains roughly 929 calories, with 29g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1459mg per serving (63% 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 Stuffaronis ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Stuffaronis a day in advance. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply remove the wrap and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
What can I add to make it more nutritious?
What can I add to make it more nutritious?
Incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms into the meat mixture. You can also mix in some chopped kale or Swiss chard along with the spinach for added nutrients. This will not only enhance the flavor but also increase the overall health benefits of 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).