THE BEST BAKED MACARONI RECIPE WITH CHEESY TOPPINGS | HOW TO MAKE BAKED MACARONI | Mels Kitchen

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for sautéing.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, evaporated milk is cost-effective.

Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain macaroni and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and mix in cooked macaroni and black olives.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and half of the cheddar cheese; combine with the macaroni mixture.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens