Delight your taste buds with this comforting, baked *Maltese Style Macaroni*, a rich and hearty dish that combines tender macaroni with a savory medley of ground beef and pork, aromatic tomato sauce, and a luscious, cheesy egg mixture. Layered to perfection and baked until golden and bubbling, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Maltese cuisine. The addition of Mediterranean favorites like bay leaf, dried basil, and oregano infuses every bite with aromatic flavor, while the topping of melted Gouda or cheddar cheese creates a satisfyingly crisp crust. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe is a must-try for those craving delicious baked pasta with a Mediterranean twist.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F) and grease a large baking dish.
Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and sauté them in the oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef and pork to the skillet and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf after cooking.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk, Parmesan cheese, and half of the grated cheddar or Gouda cheese until well combined.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat sauce and gently stir until evenly coated.
Layer half of the macaroni mixture in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese-and-egg mixture over the pasta. Repeat with the rest of the macaroni and cheese mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar or Gouda cheese on top for a golden crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy this comforting Maltese classic!
Calories |
5408 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 275.8 g | 354% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.6 g | 568% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1299 mg | 433% | |
| Sodium | 6742 mg | 293% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 444.6 g | 162% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.8 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.2 g | ||
| Protein | 294.9 g | 590% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 2810 mg | 216% | |
| Iron | 23.8 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 4054 mg | 86% | |
*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.