Macaroni Italian Style

Indulge in the comforting flavors of "Macaroni Italian Style," a hearty baked pasta dish that combines tender macaroni with a rich, savory sauce bursting with the essence of garlic, onion, and aromatic Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Ground beef or Italian sausage brings robust depth to the sauce, which is perfectly balanced by a touch of tomato paste and chili flakes for optional heat. Topped with a luscious blend of golden, bubbly mozzarella and nutty parmesan, this crowd-pleasing recipe bakes to perfection in just minutes. Ready in under an hour, this Italian-style macaroni is a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at your next gathering. Garnished with fresh parsley or basil, it’s a delightful blend of classic flavors that will transport you straight to Italy. Keywords: baked macaroni, Italian-style pasta, ground beef recipe, mozzarella cheese pasta, quick family dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams macaroni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 300 grams ground beef or Italian sausage
• 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 150 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your Italian-style macaroni!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1493.6 grams (1493.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3249

Total Fat 135.60g	174%
Saturated Fat 55.60g	278%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 367mg	122%
Sodium 4904mg	213%
Total Carbohydrate 351.10g	128%
Dietary Fiber 24.00g	86%
Total Sugars 39.70g
Protein 163.30g	327%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1917mg	147%
Iron 18mg	97%
Potassium 3655mg	78%

*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: 37.2%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 42.8%