Finnish Macaroni Casserole Suomen Makaronilaatikko
Experience comfort food at its finest with Finnish Macaroni Casserole, or Suomen Makaronilaatikko, a beloved classic from Finland. This hearty baked dish layers tender elbow macaroni and savory ground beef, infused with the warmth of sautéed onions and a delicate seasoning of salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. A creamy mixture of eggs and milk binds the casserole, while a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese—and optional breadcrumbs for a crispy finish—adds irresistible texture and flavor. Ready in just an hour, this easy-to-make family favorite is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Serve it with a dollop of ketchup or traditional lingonberry jam for an authentic Finnish twist that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g Elbow macaroni
- 400 g Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional)
- 3 large Eggs
- 700 ml Milk
- 150 g Cheddar cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the macaroni cooks, finely chop the onion.
Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, around 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Remove from heat once cooked.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Set aside.
Grease a large casserole dish with butter or oil. Layer the cooked macaroni and the ground beef mixture evenly into the dish, mixing gently to combine.
Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the macaroni and beef, ensuring it coats the ingredients well.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Optionally, add a layer of breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with ketchup or lingonberry jam on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
668 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.4 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 187 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 791 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 33.1 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 363 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 473 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
