Friday, November 1, 2013

Frugal Foodie Friday - Finnish Macaroni Casserole



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...If you cook for a young eater who complains about spicy food, you might want to give this recipe a try. It's for a Finnish macaroni casserole that's called Suomen Makaronilaatikko and it is much loved by the children of Finland. The casserole is easy to prepare and the ingredients required to make it are truly inexpensive. That makes it a perfect candidate to feature on Frugal Foodie Friday. This layered custard casserole is mildly spiced, but if you would like to try it with a bit of a kick, add a Jalapeno to the meat sauce and use Pepper Jack cheese to top the custard.  This is a simple, satisfying meal that is perfect for a late fall or winter meal. It is traditionally served with ketchup. I do hope you'll give this casserole a try.  Here is how it's made.

Finnish Macaroni Casserole (Suomen Makaronilaatikko)...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of scandinavianfood.com

Ingredients:
1 tablespoons oil
1-1/2 lbs ground meat
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups milk
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
salt
pepper

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2) Heat oil in skillet and cook ground meat and chopped onion together. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until meat changes color and onion softens.
3) Place cooked macaroni in bottom of prepared baking dish. Spread meat mixture over macaroni.
4) Whisk together milk and eggs. Add nutmeg and about half of the cheese. Pour over contents in casserole. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the casserole is heated throughout. Serve with ketchup. Yield: 6 servings.




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10 comments :

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yum!!! It reminds me just a bit of Pastichio...

Katarina said...

Makaronilaatikko is something every child in Finland eats and it was my favourite food as a child. Have a great day Mary!

Unknown said...

Mmmmmm... I love any kind of mac and cheese.... can't wait to try this casserole. It looks decadent!!

Clau said...

Hummmmm isso parece muito bom!Beijos.

David said...

Mary, This is a nice but different twist on the 'usual' macaroni and cheese. Adding the jalapeno and/or pepper jack cheese is right up my alley... I might even try adding red pepper flakes to the meat before layering the dish... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Big Dude said...

I'm sure I could finish some Finnish casserole.

Unknown said...

Though I love to cook international dishes, I've never made anything Finnish. You always have something so interesting!

Rambling Tart said...

I'm so fascinated by Finnish food, Mary, but I've not heard of this one before. :-) It sounds fantastic!

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi! Thank you for reminding me about this simple and delicious Finnish food! I'm not much a cook but this I like to make with few of my own tips. I add Philadelphia cheese, tomatoes and oregano.
Finnish wishes from Greece! Teje
www.nerospost.wordpress.com

Kirsti said...

I grew up with this, but my Great Aunts rarely made it with meat, and sometimes, without cheese. If they did make it with meat, it would be chopped up ham leftover from a roasted ham dinner the night before. It's yummy either way!

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