Beef Mince Macaroni Pie
Inspired by the cozy comfort of hearty, traditional casseroles, the Beef Mince Macaroni Pie is a delectable fusion of flavors—a rich flourished twist on the classic macaroni pie with a savory beef mince filling. Drawing from the heartwarming culinary traditions of home-cooked goodness, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Perfect for family gatherings or a scrumptious dinner party, it intertwines the tender allure of beef mince with the creamy indulgence of macaroni, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Filling
1 tablespoon olive oil - extra virgin preferred
1 medium onion - finely chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced
500 grams ground beef (minced beef) - quality lean beef- 1 cup tomato puree - preferably homemade
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chili flakes - optional, for heat
Macaroni
250 grams macaroni - uncooked
2 cups cheddar cheese - grated, divided
2 cups milk - whole
2 tablespoons butter - unsalted- 2 tablespoons plain flour
1 pinch nutmeg - freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and translucent—approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the beef mince to the pan, stirring frequently to break up any clumps. Cook until browned evenly. Stir in the tomato puree, dried oregano, and chili flakes, if using. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water, following package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for a few minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in one cup of grated cheddar, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the beef mince mixture evenly at the bottom, followed by the macaroni and cheese mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, consider enhancing the beef mince with a splash of red wine as it simmers. To make it more herbaceous, fresh basil or parsley introduced at the end provides a pleasant freshness. Should you wish for a lighter version, substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken, coupled with light cheese options.
Nutrition
Calories: 579kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 35gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 697mgPotassium: 735mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 904IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 458mgIron: 4mg
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