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An overhead shot of a newly-baked Finnish macaroni casserole, served with ketchup and cheese on the side.
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Finnish Macaroni Casserole Recipe

Known locally as 'makaronilaatikko,' Finnish Macaroni Casserole is an excellent comfort food.  Flavorful and creamy meat with pasta --- baked to golden perfection.  Yum!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Finnish
Servings: 8
Calories: 482kcal
Author: Neriz

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 500 grams ground beef (1 pound)
  • 250 grams macaroni (9 ounces or about 3 & 1/2 cups)
  • 3 medium eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • salt, pepper & nutmeg, to season

Instructions

  • Melt the butter on a large pan over medium heat.
  • When the butter is ready, add the onion and cook until it softens.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until it turns brown (also add seasoning).  Remove from the heat once it's slightly cooked.
  • Prepare the macaroni as per the package instruction, then drain.
  • Make the makaronilaatikko sauce by combining eggs, milk, cream, milk, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg --- mix with a whisk.
  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (375°F).
  • Combine the ground beef with the drained macaroni and arrange them evenly in a baking dish.
  • Pour the sauce into the macaroni and ground beef, then distribute the cheese on top.
  • Place your macaroni dish in the lower part of the oven for about 35 minutes or until the top turns golden.
  • Set aside to cool.
  • Serve your Finnish macaroni casserole with some ketchup on top --- enjoy!

Notes

  • Cook's Tip #1:  Remember not to pour all the sauce into your makaronilaatikko.  It should be a creamy macaroni dish, but not watery.  For reference, I generally leave about a 1/4-cup of the sauce.
  • Cook's Tip #2:  Cook the macaroni a minute less than indicated in the package.  It ensures that it will still be firm after baking.
  • Cook's Tip #3:  Once it's out of the oven, let your macaroni casserole rest for at least 25 minutes --- it allows the macaroni to absorb all the creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 805IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 2mg