Finnish Macaroni Bake

Discover the comforting flavors of Finnish Macaroni Bake, a hearty and satisfying casserole that's a family favorite in Finland. This classic dish combines tender macaroni, savory ground beef (or pork), and aromatic sautéed onions, all bound together by a rich, custard-like mixture of milk and eggs. Topped with melted cheese and optional breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch, this bake is oven-cooked to golden perfection. With a touch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, Finnish Macaroni Bake is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Ready in under an hour and serving up to six, it's a comforting crowd-pleaser your family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 350 g Macaroni pasta
• 400 g Ground beef (or ground pork)
• 1 large Onion
• 2 tbsp Butter or oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Nutmeg (optional)
• 500 ml Milk
• 2 large Eggs
• 100 g Cheese (e.g. Cheddar or Edam), grated
• 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the onion.

Step 4

Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined.

Step 7

In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked macaroni and browned meat mixture. Mix well to distribute the meat evenly.

Step 8

Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the macaroni and meat mixture in the casserole dish.

Step 9

Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added texture.

Step 10

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the macaroni bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Cut into portions and serve hot. Enjoy your Finnish Macaroni Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1716.8 grams (1716.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3340

Total Fat 153.20g	196%
Saturated Fat 75.30g	376%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g
Cholesterol 835mg	278%
Sodium 3750mg	163%
Total Carbohydrate 324.50g	118%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 48.20g
Protein 165.10g	330%

Vitamin D 330IU	1652%
Calcium 1580mg	122%
Iron 15mg	82%
Potassium 3126mg	67%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.3%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 38.9%