Bill's Macaroni Surprise
Dive into comfort food heaven with *Bill's Macaroni Surprise*, a hearty, flavor-packed casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This indulgent dish begins with tender elbow macaroni coated in creamy, velvety cream cheese, layered with a robust ground beef sauce infused with garlic, onion, bell peppers, and a medley of Italian herbs. Topped with a golden, gooey blend of cheddar and parmesan cheeses, this baked macaroni offers the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness. Ready in under an hour, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples like diced tomatoes and tomato paste, with a garnish of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Whether you're craving a cozy weeknight meal or a dish that wows a crowd, *Bill's Macaroni Surprise* is your answer!
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Ingredients
- 300 grams elbow macaroni
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1 medium (finely chopped) onion
- 2 (minced) garlic cloves
- 1 medium (diced) bell pepper
- 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
- 100 grams (softened) cream cheese
- 200 grams (shredded) cheddar cheese
- 50 grams (grated) parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) fresh parsley
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Step 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 5
Stir in the diced bell pepper, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened.
Step 6
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with softened cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese coats the pasta evenly.
Step 8
In a greased 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish, spread half of the macaroni mixture in an even layer.
Step 9
Spoon the ground beef mixture over the macaroni layer, spreading it out evenly to cover.
Step 10
Top with the remaining macaroni mixture, smoothing it out gently to create a layered effect.
Step 11
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.
Step 12
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Step 13
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 14
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy 'Bill's Macaroni Surprise'!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1904.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4111.1 |
| Total Fat 233.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 100.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 7.6g | |
| Cholesterol 605.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5310.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 304.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 25.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 40.5g | |
| Protein 185.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1523.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 24.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3545.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories