The Best Macaroni Au Gratin Recipe | Haitian Style Gratine

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while evaporated milk is often cheaper.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often more affordable.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Ground oats provide fiber, and crushed crackers are a cost-effective alternative.

Cook rigatoni pasta according to the box instructions; set aside.

In a hot pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ground beef; break it up into small pieces while cooking.

Add 3 tablespoons of a piece (seasoning) to the beef.

Add a chicken bouillon cube and creole seasoning to the beef; stir to combine.

Chop fresh parsley and add it to the beef mixture along with spatula pepper and thyme; stir well.

Add chopped bell peppers and onions to the beef; cook until onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream and a can of evaporated milk to the mixture.

Add 3 laughing cow cheeses and shredded monterey jack, medium sharp cheddar, and parmigiano reggiano cheeses; stir until melted and combined.

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of mustard, and 1 cup of mayonnaise; mix well.

Add the cooked pasta to the mayonnaise mixture and stir to combine.

Transfer the bechamel sauce to the pasta and mix thoroughly.

Grease a baking pan with cooking spray and transfer the pasta mixture into it.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

Sprinkle additional monterey jack, medium sharp cheddar, and parmigiano reggiano cheeses on top of the pasta in the baking pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens