• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes by Nora
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Noodles and Pasta

    Baked Macaroni

    Published: Jan 11, 2023 by Nora Rey · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    2 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Baked Macaroni is a Filipino-style pasta casserole with a meaty sauce and a layer of creamy béchamel sauce topped with melted cheese. This easy, delicious meal is perfect for feeding a crowd!

    Baked Macaroni in a casserole dish
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you'll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Other noodles and pasta recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you'll need

    Individual ingredients for Baked Macaroni (pasta and meat sauce)
    Pasta and meat sauce ingredients (olive oil, salt, and pepper are not in the picture)
    Individual ingredients the cheese and bechamel sauce.
    Cheese and béchamel sauce ingredients (salt and pepper are not in the picture)

    Notes and substitutions

    • Elbows or macaroni: These are short, hollow tubes with a curved shape that help trap the sauce. You can also use pasta shapes with cavities, grooves, or ridges to which the sauce can easily adhere, such as shells, fusilli, or penne.
    • Ground meat: I used ground beef, but you can also use pork, chicken, veal, or a blend for an even better flavor and texture.
    • Crushed tomatoes: They have a fresh flavor and slightly chunky texture. You can also crush whole peeled tomatoes to your desired consistency, or use tomato sauce in a pinch.
    • Tomato paste: Because it is concentrated, it has a deep tomato taste that intensifies when sautéed in oil until caramelized.

    How to make this recipe

    (1)Set a sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add ¼ cup olive oil. Sauté 6 garlic cloves, 1 onion, ½ red bell pepper, and ½ green bell pepper until softened and caramelized for 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Sauteing aromatics in saute pan.

    (2)Add 6 ounces of tomato paste and sauté until it turns brownish, about 3 minutes.

    Sauteing tomato paste with aromatics in the saute pan.

    (3)Add 2 pounds of ground meat, break it up, and cook until browned for about 15 minutes. Season with a teaspoon of kosher salt (use less for table salt) and ground pepper to taste.

    Browning the ground beef in the pan with aromatics and tomato paste.

    (4)Add 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of water, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 2 dried bay leaves, 2 tablespoons sugar (or more), salt (about 1 teaspoon kosher salt), and pepper to taste. Mix them up.

    Cover and let it simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Taste it and adjust as needed. After cooking, remove the bay leaves. Set the sauce aside.

    Simmering the meat sauce in the pan.

    Preheat the oven to 400° F (204° C). Boil a pot of salted water for the pasta while making the béchamel sauce.

    (5)In a saucepan, melt ⅓ cup butter over medium heat. Add ⅓ cup flour and stir until it forms a thick paste or a roux.

    Mixing melted butter and flour in a saucepan.

    (6)Cook the roux for about a minute before it turns brown, just long enough to remove the raw flour taste.

    Mixing the roux in the saucepan.

    (7)Add some warm milk to loosen up the thick roux, then add the rest (a total of 3 cups). Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and black or white pepper to taste.

    PRO TIP: Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps thicken it faster and prevents splattering.

    Adding the milk to the roux in the saucepan.

    (8)Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. The sauce will get thicker as it cools. Set it aside.

    Whisking the bechamel sauce in the saucepan.

    Return to the boiling water and undercook the pasta 2 minutes before it is al dente—it will finish cooking in the oven. (9)Drain and combine with the meat sauce in a 4-quart casserole dish.

    Mixing the macaroni and meat sauce in the casserole dish.

    (10)Pack them lightly and even out the top. Spread the béchamel sauce evenly.

    Adding the bechamel sauce on top of the macaroni with meat sauce in the baking dish.

    (11)Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

    Adding cheese on top of the bechamel sauce.

    (12)Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top has nicely browned.

    Baked Macaroni in a baking dish.

    Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

    Baked Macaroni on a plate with a fork.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a casserole?

    A casserole is a hot dish where ingredients are combined in a casserole dish and baked in the oven. A casserole dish is a deep, wide vessel that is oven-safe and usually made with glass or ceramic.

    What is béchamel sauce?

    A béchamel sauce is a creamy, white sauce made with butter, milk, flour, and seasonings like salt and nutmeg. The sauce starts with a roux or a thickener made of fat (usually butter) and flour, then milk is slowly whisked in to create a silky finish.

    Its consistency will vary depending on how it is used. Other Baked Macaroni recipes use mornay sauce, a cheesy white sauce made from béchamel sauce and cheese.

    Other noodles and pasta recipes you may like

    • meatballs with marinara sauce on a plate
      Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
    • Yaki Udon (Stir-Fried Udon)
    • pancit canton
      Pancit Canton (Filipino Stir-Fried Noodles)
    • anchovy pasta with breadcrumbs served on a plate
      Anchovy Pasta with Breadcrumbs

    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    baked macaroni in a baking dish

    Baked Macaroni

    A Filipino-style pasta casserole with a meaty sauce and a layer of creamy bechamel sauce topped with cheese.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Filipino
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Bake Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 544kcal
    Author: Nora Rey

    Equipment

    • 4-quart casserole or oven-safe dish
    • Saucepan for the pasta
    • Sauté pan or Dutch oven for the meat sauce
    • Saucepan for the béchamel sauce

    Ingredients

    For the pasta and sauce:

    • 1 pound macaroni or elbows
    • ¼ cup olive oil sub:neutral oil
    • 6 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 yellow onion minced
    • ½ red bell pepper minced
    • ½ green bell pepper minced
    • 1 can (6-ounce) tomato paste
    • 2 pounds ground meat beef, pork, veal, or chicken
    • 1 can (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes sub:tomato saucee
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 2 dried bay leaves
    • 2 tablespoons sugar (or more)
    • Salt and pepper (to taste)

    For the béchamel sauce:

    • 3 cups warm milk
    • ⅓ cup butter
    • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • 4 ounces cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups ) grated
    • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese (about 1 ½ cups) grated
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Over medium-high heat, sauté garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper in olive oil until softened and caramelized for 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Add tomato paste and sauté until it turns brownish, about 3 minutes.
    • Add ground meat, break it up, and cook until browned for about 15 minutes. Season with a teaspoon of kosher salt (use less for table salt) and ground pepper to taste.
    • Add crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of water, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried bay leaves, sugar (or more), salt (about 1 teaspoon kosher salt), and pepper to taste. Mix them up.
    • Cover and let it simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Taste it and adjust as needed. After cooking, remove the bay leaves. Set the sauce aside.
    • Preheat the oven to 400° F (204° C). Boil a pot of salted water for the pasta.
    • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir until it forms a thick paste or a roux. Cook for about a minute before it turns brown, just long enough to remove the raw flour taste.
    • Add some warm milk to loosen up the thick roux, then add the rest. Add nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and black or white pepper to taste.
    • Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Set it aside.
    • Return to the boiling water and undercook the pasta 2 minutes before it is al dente.
    • Drain the pasta and combine it with the meat sauce in a casserole dish. Pack them lightly and even out the top.
    • Spread the béchamel sauce evenly, then sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
    • Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top has nicely browned.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 544kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 27gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 793mgPotassium: 794mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 803IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 256mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

    More Noodles and Pasta

    • spaghetti carbonara on a plate
      Spaghetti Carbonara
    • Homemade Pad Thai on a plate
      Homemade Pad Thai
    • Shoyu Ramen with Chashu
    • Baked Ziti
    2 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary Anne

      January 16, 2023 at 10:57 pm

      5 stars
      Hello Nora, This looks so much better than what I had growing up. I am so excited to make this. Thank you and I will send you a picture.

      Reply

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Nora smiling at you

    Hi, I'm Nora! Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • grilled pork belly on a plate
      Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly)
    • Beef Stir Fry with Onions and Peppers in a wok
      Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers
    • mackerel in olive oil on a serving plate
      Mackerel in Olive Oil
    • Beef Caldereta served on a plate
      Beef Caldereta
    • buko pandan salad served in a cup
      Buko Pandan Salad
    • Kamayan Feast
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Seasonal Desserts

    • red velvet cupcakes
      Red Velvet Cupcakes
    • sliced loaf of banana bread
      Classic Banana Bread
    • Salted caramel pretzel brownies on a parchment paper.
      Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies From Brownie Mix
    • Brookie bars on a parchment paper
      Brookie Bars from Brownie Mix
    • S'mores brownies on a parchment paper
      S'mores Brownies From Brownie Mix
    • birthday brownies on a parchment paper
      Birthday Brownies From Brownie Mix

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Image Use & Copyright
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 RECIPES BY NORA

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    2 shares