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Cheesy Baked Macaroni

Cheesy Baked Macaroni

This cheesy baked macaroni features tender elbow pasta layered with a savory tomato meat sauce, creamy white sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it is the ultimate Filipino-style comfort dish for family gatherings and everyday meals.

⏱ Prep: 15 min ⏱ Cook: 40 min

Ingredients

  • 1 large bs macaroni
  • 3.25 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 large bs ground beef
  • 1 piece beef cube bouillon
  • 1 piece small red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 piece small green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 piece small yellow onion (cubed)
  • 3 clove garlic (crushed and chopped)
  • 1 large bs tomato sauce
  • 0 salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 3 tbsp oil
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.75 cup fresh milk
  • 1.5 cup quick melt cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. Heat the cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 3 to 5 minutes or until softened.

  3. Add the ground beef and cook until it turns brown, breaking it apart as it cooks.

  4. Add the beef cube bouillon and stir until dissolved.

  5. Pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.

  6. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Continue cooking for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

  7. Melt the butter in a separate pot over medium-low heat.

  8. Add the all-purpose flour and stir until the flour absorbs the butter and forms lumps.

  9. Pour in the fresh milk while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the flour is completely dissolved and the sauce thickens. Use a wire whisk for a smoother texture.

  10. Add the quick melt cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts and blends into the sauce. Turn the heat off.

  11. Place the cooked macaroni in a large mixing bowl. Pour the tomato meat sauce over the pasta and mix well. Add a few tablespoons of white sauce and some shredded cheddar cheese, then toss everything together.

  12. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking pan. Spread the remaining white sauce evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface.

  13. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.

  14. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.