Greek Pasta and Beef
This delightfully different casserole gives everyday macaroni and cheese an international flavor. A coworker who's a pro at Greek cooking shared the recipe years ago. It brings raves whenever I serve it.
This delightfully different casserole gives everyday macaroni and cheese an international flavor. A coworker who's a pro at Greek cooking shared the recipe years ago. It brings raves whenever I serve it.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups 2% milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- sauce:
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
- 1 large eggland's best egg lightly beaten
- 2 large eggland's best eggs lightly beaten
- Carbohydrate 3.54033871391738 g
- Cholesterol 38.9268315390712 mg
- Fat 10.5577003870616 g
- Fiber 0.419325310569218 g
- Protein 8.82759870370917 g
- Saturated Fat 5.26924108782703 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (127g)
- Sodium 139.32869214013 mg
- Sugar 3.12101340334816 g
- Trans Fat 1.1577239521873 g
- Calories 146 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, water and seasonings. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain macaroni and place in a large bowl. Stir in egg and cheese; set aside.
- For sauce, in a large saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour and cinnamon until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat.
- Stir a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Stir in cheese.
- In a greased 3-qt. baking dish, spread half of the macaroni mixture. Top with beef mixture and remaining macaroni mixture. Pour sauce over the top.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Greek Pasta and Beef
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can be a real challenge. I need recipes that are relatively quick, easy to make, and most importantly, ones that my family will actually enjoy. That's where this Greek Pasta and Beef casserole comes in. It's become a staple in our household, a go-to comfort food that always hits the spot. It's a wonderful twist on classic macaroni and cheese, adding a vibrant, flavorful dimension that elevates it beyond the ordinary.
The recipe itself is surprisingly simple. I often find myself making it on busy weeknights, knowing I can get it on the table relatively quickly without sacrificing taste. The combination of tender ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce is simply irresistible. The addition of Greek seasonings – a subtle hint of cinnamon and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese – adds a delightful complexity that's both unexpected and completely satisfying. The recipe I use has been a family favorite for many years and it has been a true lifesaver on countless busy evenings. My friends and family all ask for the recipe and it is always a hit wherever I take it.
What makes this dish so special is its versatility. It's easily adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand. Sometimes I'll add a handful of spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and a bit of earthiness. Other times, I might swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a richer, more savory flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—you can truly make it your own, experimenting with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to suit your taste. It's the kind of dish that allows for creativity in the kitchen, while still guaranteeing a delicious and satisfying result every time.
The best part? Leftovers are fantastic! This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. It's a dish that truly stretches beyond a simple dinner, making it an even more valuable addition to my weekly meal plan. The combination of the creamy sauce and the hearty beef makes it a truly satisfying meal, one that leaves everyone feeling content and happy. I often find myself making a double batch just so I have leftovers for the rest of the week.
This Greek Pasta and Beef casserole isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious food that brings people together. It's a dish that has become a symbol of comfort, warmth, and family for me. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, taking the time to cook a nourishing and flavorful meal can make all the difference. So, if you're looking for a new favorite weeknight meal, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe also allows me to be resourceful and minimize food waste. I often use leftover vegetables or cheese to add to the casserole, giving them a new purpose and reducing the amount of food that ends up in the trash. This conscious effort to reduce waste aligns with my overall commitment to sustainable living, something that is increasingly important to me.
For me, cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it's an act of love and care. It's a way to nourish my family, both physically and emotionally. This Greek Pasta and Beef casserole embodies that sentiment perfectly. It's a dish that’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and filled with love. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
And that's my story about this incredible and easy-to-make dish. A taste of Greece on a weeknight, with the comfort of a classic casserole—who could ask for more?
