Description

Macarona Forn is a traditional baked pasta casserole featuring tender pasta, a rich meat and tomato sauce, and a golden, melty cheese crust. This comforting, easy-to-make dish offers crispy edges and creamy interior, perfect for family meals and gatherings. Customizable with vegetarian options and various cheeses, it’s a one-dish meal combining carbs, protein, and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound macaroni or penne pasta

Meat Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground meat (beef, lamb, or chicken)
2 cups tomato sauce
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Cheese Topping

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (kefalotyri, mozzarella, Parmesan, or alternatives like feta or ricotta)

Optional Ingredients and Variations

Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant (for vegetarian version)
Crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers (for spicy kick)
Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme (herb-infused flavor)
Gluten-free pasta (rice or corn pasta)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the pasta: Boil the pasta until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent mushiness during baking.
Cook the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, season with salt, pepper, and optional cinnamon and nutmeg. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked pasta with the warm meat sauce until fully coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
Assemble in a baking dish: Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into a greased glass or ceramic baking dish. Spread evenly. Generously sprinkle your choice of cheese over the top, covering the entire surface to create a cheesy crust.
Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop and make slicing easier.

Notes

Cook pasta slightly underdone to prevent mushiness after baking.
Use a mix of sharper and milder cheeses for better flavor and melt quality.
Allow casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Season the sauce well by adjusting salt, pepper, and spices before assembling.
Use glass or ceramic baking dishes for even cooking and a perfect crust.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg