Finnish Macaroni Casserole Suomen Makaronilaatikko

Experience comfort food at its finest with Finnish Macaroni Casserole, or Suomen Makaronilaatikko, a beloved classic from Finland. This hearty baked dish layers tender elbow macaroni and savory ground beef, infused with the warmth of sautéed onions and a delicate seasoning of salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. A creamy mixture of eggs and milk binds the casserole, while a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese—and optional breadcrumbs for a crispy finish—adds irresistible texture and flavor. Ready in just an hour, this easy-to-make family favorite is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Serve it with a dollop of ketchup or traditional lingonberry jam for an authentic Finnish twist that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 g Elbow macaroni
• 400 g Ground beef
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 tbsp Butter or oil
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional)
• 3 large Eggs
• 700 ml Milk
• 150 g Cheddar cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the macaroni cooks, finely chop the onion.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Remove from heat once cooked.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Grease a large casserole dish with butter or oil. Layer the cooked macaroni and the ground beef mixture evenly into the dish, mixing gently to combine.

Step 8

Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the macaroni and beef, ensuring it coats the ingredients well.

Step 9

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Optionally, add a layer of breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Step 10

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.

Step 11

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with ketchup or lingonberry jam on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2025.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3963.4

Total Fat 179.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 1111.2mg	0%
Sodium 5374.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 375.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 58.3g
Protein 208.9g	0%

Vitamin D 472.8IU	0%
Calcium 2149.6mg	0%
Iron 25.9mg	0%
Potassium 2760.6mg	0%

*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: 40.9%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 37.9%