MEATY MACARONI BAKE

And Welcome back to Around the Kitchen.

A complete INDEX to all of our recipes can be found HERE

    

As you probably know, Penny and I like to visit the Friends of the

Library Book Store and look thru all the cookbooks that have been 

donated.

You can always pick up some bargains and get some good recipes.

Today's dinner comes from one of those bargains.

Tonight, we are making a Meaty Macaroni Bake.

Let's get into it.

2 lbs. Ground Beef (We used Brisket)

1 medium onion, chopped

1 Garlic Clove, minced (we used 2)

1 jar (14 ounces) spaghetti sauce (we used homemade)

1 Cup of water

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

½ tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper (we used ½ tsp)

2 eggs, beaten

¼ Cup Vegetable oil

1 package (7 ounces) elbow macaroni (cooked and drained)

2 cans (4 ounces each) mushroom stems and piece, drained

1 CUP (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ Cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 Cup Soft Breadcrumbs (we used Panko)

Additional mozzarella cheese if needed (it was)

In addition, we ADDED

2 pucks of Pesto

1 TBL Italian herbs

3 Bay leaves

In a large skillet cook the beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat

until meat is no longer pink.

Drain the grease. I like to use paper towels to soak up the grease. 

Much safer

Add the spaghetti sauce, water, tomato sauce, tomato paste

Add the rest of the spices.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered for about 10 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the eggs, oil, cooked macaroni, mushrooms, 

cheeses and breadcrumbs.

Spoon into a 3 qt. baking dish. 

Top with the meat mixture.

I saved some and put it into another pan for freezing.

When it cools, I'll throw it in the freeze box.

Back to the main meal 

Bake uncovered (I covered ours) for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Hey kids, what time is it?

Sprinkle with additional cheese (I put cheese on the top before 

baking)

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. 

So, how was it you ask.

It was delicious! I could have made a better presentation, but it was late, and we were famished.

I loved what the Breadcrumbs added to the dish. It held everything together. I am also glad we added a few 'extra' spices. The pesto really made a difference.

So, I encourage you to give this a try.

You can thank me later.

That's it for this time around the kitchen. Hope to see you soon.

Be sure to visit some of my other blogs:

FRESH'S WORKSHOP  - SEE WHAT I AM BUILDING AND FIXING AROUND THE HOUSE 

BRIARWOOD - YOU CAN READ MY NOVELS

AUDIO CONSOLE - WHERE I AM BUILDING AN AUDIO MIXER

God Speed, Mother Nature