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This hearty pasta bake combines elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and melted raclette cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. The rich, creamy sauce and golden-brown cheese crust make it a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for casual dinners or cozy family meals. It's one of those reliable recipes that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table.
A Classic Comfort Dish
The beauty of this pasta bake lies in its satisfying combination of tender pasta, seasoned meat, and gooey melted cheese. It's a versatile recipe that works equally well for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The familiar ingredients come together to create something truly special.
Essential Ingredients
For a generous baking dish, gather elbow macaroni, well-seasoned ground beef, and thin slices of raclette cheese. The aromatic base comes from diced onion and minced garlic, while heavy cream adds richness. Finish with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for brightness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by cooking the macaroni until just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Meanwhile, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then brown the ground beef until cooked through. The magic happens when combining everything with cream before layering slices of raclette on top. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and forms an irresistible golden crust.
Pro Tips
Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce. For cheese variety, try mixing raclette with gruyere or emmental. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking adds an extra crispy texture that makes each bite even more satisfying.
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Serving Suggestions
Make it a complete meal by incorporating sautéed zucchini or mushrooms into the dish. Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For special occasions, pair with a medium-bodied red wine to complement the hearty flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble it a few hours earlier and bake just before serving. If chilled, add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- → What’s a good cheese substitute?
- You can swap the cheese with cheddar or mozzarella. Just pick one that melts easily and browns nicely in the oven.
- → How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
- Cook the macaroni until just firm (al dente) and add enough cream. For extra moisture, reserve some pasta water to mix in later.
- → What type of ground meat is best?
- Ground beef with 15% fat works well. You can also try a beef-pork mix or ground turkey for a lighter option.
- → What’s the best way to reheat it?
- Pop it into the oven at 160°C (about 320°F) for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to stop the cheese from burning.