There’s just something so comforting about a home-cooked meal, isn’t there? When I think of cozy evenings spent with family, the image of a bubbling beef mince macaroni pie always comes to mind. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with warmth and delicious aromas, inviting everyone to gather around the table. The combination of tender beef, creamy macaroni, and melted cheese creates a satisfying hug in a dish that brings smiles and happy hearts. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. Trust me, once you make this pie, it’ll become a cherished family favorite that you’ll want to share with everyone!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a delicious beef mince macaroni pie. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 400g beef mince: This is the star of the show! Choose lean beef for a healthier option, but feel free to use regular if you prefer a bit more flavor.
- 200g macaroni: Look for a good quality pasta that holds the sauce well. You can use elbow macaroni or any shape you like!
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium-sized onion will add sweetness and depth to the filling. Just chop it into small pieces to help it cook evenly.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings a lovely aroma and flavor. If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two!
- 400g canned tomatoes: Use diced or crushed tomatoes—either works perfectly. They’ll add moisture and a rich taste to the mixture.
- 200g cheddar cheese, grated: The more cheese, the better! Cheddar melts beautifully and adds that creamy goodness on top.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This will be used for sautéing the onion and garlic. Olive oil is a healthy choice, but you can also use vegetable oil if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key! I always recommend starting with a little and adjusting as you go.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This brings a lovely herby flavor. If you have fresh oregano, feel free to use that instead—just double the amount!
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another herb to enhance the flavor profile. Again, fresh basil works wonders if you have it on hand.
Having everything prepped and ready to go makes cooking so much easier, so I recommend measuring out your ingredients before you start. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 180°C (350°F). Preheating is super important because it ensures your beef mince macaroni pie cooks evenly all the way through. While it’s warming up, you can get started on the next steps!
Cook the Macaroni
Now, let’s cook the macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your 200g of macaroni. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, so it has a little bite to it! Once it’s cooked, drain it well in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to shake off any excess water, as we don’t want a watery pie.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Oh, the aroma that fills your kitchen is just heavenly! Cook these for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to your dish.
Brown the Beef Mince
Next up, add the 400g of beef mince to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. You’ll want to make sure there’s no pink left in the meat. If you like, you can drain any excess fat at this point to keep it a bit lighter. Just be careful—it can be hot!
Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil into the beef mixture. Let it all simmer together for about 10 minutes. This allows those flavors to meld beautifully. Once that’s done, add the cooked macaroni to the pan and mix everything until it’s evenly combined. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Carefully transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the top. I like to use a good amount of cheese because, well, the more cheese, the merrier, right?
Bake the Dish
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbly. If you want that extra crispy top, you can switch on the broiler for the last few minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your beef mince macaroni pie is ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a warm and comforting dish that brings the family together around the table.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it an easy recipe to follow, even for beginners!
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- It’s versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or substitute meats to suit your taste.
- Perfect for leftovers—this pie reheats wonderfully for a quick meal the next day.
Tips for Success
To make sure your beef mince macaroni pie turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, always use fresh ingredients whenever possible; they truly make a difference in flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go! If it feels a bit bland, a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can work wonders. Also, make sure your macaroni is cooked al dente; it should have a slight bite since it will continue to cook in the oven. Lastly, let the pie cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best parts about this beef mince macaroni pie is how flexible it is! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try swapping the beef mince for ground turkey or even a plant-based mince. You can also mix in some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even peas for added nutrition and color. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different cheeses—mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack can add a delightful twist! And if you’re a fan of herbs, fresh basil or parsley can brighten the flavors even more. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for a serving of beef mince macaroni pie. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. A typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
This pie is not only comforting but also provides a good balance of nutrients to keep you satisfied!
FAQ Section
Can I make this beef mince macaroni pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for a day. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of beef mince?
If you’re looking for a lighter or different option, ground turkey or even plant-based mince works beautifully in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Can I add vegetables to the pie?
Of course! Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. They’ll add flavor and nutrition, making your beef mince macaroni pie even more delightful.
How do I know when the pie is done?
Your pie is ready when the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for a couple of minutes at the end—just watch it closely!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This pie freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Beef Mince Macaroni Pie: 5 Comforting Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting beef mince macaroni pie that brings warmth to your table.
Ingredients
- 400g beef mince
- 200g macaroni
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 200g cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
- Add beef mince. Cook until browned.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden.
Notes
- You can substitute beef mince with turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef mince macaroni pie, comfort food, easy recipe
