Cheesy Baked Beef Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients

• 175 grams elbow macaroni
• 150 grams ground beef
• 100 grams smoked beef (optional)
• 100 grams cheddar cheese, grated or diced
• 500 cc full cream milk
• 5 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Seasoning:
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil leaves)
• 1 tablespoon margarine for sautéing
• Topping:
  • 100 grams mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 100 grams grated cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a splash of vegetable oil. Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s three-quarters done and has expanded. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Melt the margarine in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the smoked beef if using.

3. Make the Sauce Mixture: Add three-quarters of the full cream milk to the pan along with the all-purpose flour and the seasoning ingredients (beef bouillon cubes, salt, sugar, black pepper, nutmeg if using, dried oregano, and dried basil). Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beef sauce mixture, chopped smoked beef, beaten eggs, cheddar cheese, and the remaining quarter of the milk. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

5. Assemble and Steam: Pour the mixture into an aluminum foil dish. If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it on top. Steam the dish for 20 minutes.

6. Bake for Finish: After steaming, sprinkle the dish with grated cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Serve Warm: Enjoy your Beef Macaroni Schotel Panggang warm for the best flavor and texture.

This Beef Macaroni Schotel Panggang is a delicious, comforting dish perfect for family meals or gatherings. The creamy cheese and savory beef blend harmoniously, making every bite a delight.