mac and cheese bolognaise | Australian dinner recipes | Aussie girl can cook

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: lentils

Lentils provide a plant-based protein at a lower cost.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Processed cheese is often less expensive and melts well.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

String cheese can be a budget-friendly alternative.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + seasoning

Using water with added seasoning can lower costs.

Chop bacon into pieces and set aside.

Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan.

Add chopped bacon and one crushed garlic clove; cook until browned.

Add chopped onion and the second clove of garlic; sauté until softened.

Stir in the tomato-based pasta sauce and chicken stock; mix well.

Add fresh basil and oregano (or dried if unavailable); simmer for about 20 minutes with a lid on.

While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of water to boil and cook 3 cups of macaroni until soft; drain and rinse well.

In a separate pot, melt 60 grams of butter over medium heat.

Stir in 1/3 cup of plain flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

Gradually add 1 liter of milk while stirring until combined; bring to a boil and thicken slightly.

Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of grated cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan until melted.

Combine the macaroni with the meat sauce and cheese sauce; mix well.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens