Greek Macaroni & Hamburger Casserole (Makaronia Phournista)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 1
Greek Macaroni & Hamburger Casserole - A hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner
in Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 hour

Ready In

1 hour 20 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

3 quarts water
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb elbow macaroni ( I use Barilla PLUS ) or 1 lb shell macaroni ( I use Barilla PLUS )
4 tablespoons butter
1 can seasoned tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 tablespoon grated orange rind
1/2 cup fresh orange juice ( juice of 1 orange )
3 -4 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon salt ( or to taste )
1/2 teaspoon pepper ( or to taste )
3/4 cup onion , finely chopped
4 -5 garlic cloves , finely chopped
1 cup red wine ( I like Marsala wine )
8 ounces kefalotiri ( or to taste ) or 8 ounces gruyere , grated ( or to taste )
4 -5 ounces kasseri cheese ( to cover top ) or 4 -5 ounces cheddar cheese , sliced tissue thin ( to cover top )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
559
Sugar
5g
Fat
32g
Greek Macaroni & Hamburger Casserole, also known as Makaronia Phournista, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This dish is typically made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a tomato-based sauce with a variety of spices. The addition of orange rind and juice gives the dish a unique, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy cheeses. This casserole is perfect for colder weather, as it will warm you up and keep you full for hours. It is also a great way to use up leftover ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2.Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil with 1/2 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
3.In a separate pot, melt butter and add the tomato paste, sugar, salt, cinnamon, oregano, orange rind, orange juice, bay leaves, and ground cloves. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4.In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened. Pour in the red wine and simmer for 5 minutes.
5.Combine macaroni and tomato sauce in a large bowl. Place half into a baking dish. Cover with the kefalotiri or gruyere cheese. Add the remaining macaroni and top it off with the kasseri or cheddar cheese.
6.Bake for 1 hour. Let it cool before serving.

PROS

This dish is a great source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

The combination of spices and cheese create a unique and delicious flavor profile.

CONS

Due to the use of cheese and red wine, this dish is high in fat and calories.
It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This casserole contains a good amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
The use of spices such as cinnamon and oregano may have anti-inflammatory effects and provide antioxidants to the body.

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