Baked Mac

Last few days my friend asked me to cook something that he can bring to a party.

since the party is for Filipino and European i decided to make Baked Mac for him, so that everybody will enjoy the food.  




Ingredients:


500g - Elbow macaroni 
1kg - Ground beef or pork 
3 - Can of sliced button mushroom
1cup - Bell pepper
1/2cup - Tomato paste
500g - Italian spaghetti sauce
1 1/2cup - Banana ketchup
1/2cup - White sugar
2 cup - Mozzarella cheese   
salt and pepper

White Sauce:

2cup - Mozzarella cheese
1cup - Cheddar cheese 
3cup - Milk 
1 stick unsalted butter
1cup - flour 
pinch of nutmeg  
 

Directions:


1. Pre heat the oven for 350°F 


2.Cook the macaroni half way through of the package direction


3. On a large sauce pan saute onion and garlic until become soft or translusent, then add the ground beef.


4. saute the ground beef until liquid evaporate, then add the tomato paste and let it simmer for at least two minute.


5. add the italian spaghetti sauce follow by the banana ketchup, rinse the bottle of spaghetti sauce with 1 cup of water then add to the sauce and bring to boil.


6. once the sauce is boiling you can add now the diced bell pepper and sliced button mushroom, mix well and let it simmer.


7. season it with sugar, salt and pepper to balance all the flavor according to desired taste.

8. once you achieve the desire taste balance you are now ready to assemble and bake.

Note: if you find your sauce is too thick you can add more water to lighten the thickness of the sauce.  

Cheese Sauce:


1. melt the butter in a large sauce pan then follow by flour mix thoroughly cook it for about 2 minute, be careful not to brown the flour and butter.


2. add the 3 cups of cold milk and bring it to boil, then add cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese  and pinch of nutmeg then season it with salt and pepper.


3. let it simmer in a low fire for at least 5 min.




Assembly:


1. pour the macaroni and half of the sauce on a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly, you can add more sauce defend on how you like.

2. in a baking dish spread 1/4 cup of cheese sauce then add the mixed macaroni and make sure you pack and flat on top.

3. then pour some of the Cheede sauce on the top at sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.

4. cover with loose foil and don't let to touch the cheese so it won't stick to it.

5. bake on a pre-heated oven for at least 20-30min at 350°F.

6. after 20min remove the foil cover to brown the cheese on top.

7. after baking remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minute, then serve and enjoy.