**Baked Macaroni: A Classic Filipino Comfort Dish*
*
**Baked Macaroni** is a much-loved Filipino comfort food that features tender pasta enveloped in a rich, savory sauce, topped with cheese and baked to golden perfection. This dish has become a staple in Filipino households, often served during special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and fiestas. It’s an iconic part of Filipino cuisine, especially popular during gatherings, where it is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply craving a hearty meal, baked macaroni hits all the right notes: cheesy, savory, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
**The History and Evolution of Filipino Baked Macaroni**
While **baked macaroni** (or “macarona” in Filipino) is a well-known comfort food across the world, the Filipino version has distinct characteristics that make it unique. The origins of Filipino baked macaroni can be traced to Western influences, particularly the Americans, who introduced macaroni and cheese to the Philippines during the early 20th century. However, over time, Filipinos adapted the dish to suit local tastes and ingredients, giving birth to a version that is distinctly Filipino.
Unlike traditional **American baked macaroni and cheese**, which features a simple blend of cheese and pasta, Filipino baked macaroni is made with a flavorful **meat sauce** that combines ground meat (typically beef or pork), tomatoes, tomato sauce, and often a touch of sugar to balance the acidity. The addition of **cheese** is essential—Filipinos often use a mix of local cheeses such as **quick-melt cheese** and **cheddar** to give the dish a creamy texture and rich flavor. Some even incorporate a **bechamel sauce** (a white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk) to add to the creaminess.
The dish is typically finished off with a final layer of cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s this combination of savory, sweet, and cheesy elements that makes Filipino baked macaroni so beloved in the Philippines.
**Ingredients for Filipino Baked Macaroni**
The beauty of **baked macaroni** lies in its versatility. The basic ingredients include macaroni pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, but there are variations based on personal taste or regional preferences. Here’s a rundown of the typical ingredients used to make this Filipino classic:
**For the Meat Sauce:**
– **1 lb ground beef or pork** – Pork is commonly used in Filipino baked macaroni, though beef is also a popular option. Some people mix both for added richness.
– **1 medium onion**, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
– **4 cloves garlic**, minced – A must for flavor and aroma.
– **2 medium tomatoes**, chopped – Provides a natural sweetness and tang to the sauce.
– **1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce** – This forms the base of the sauce and gives it the tangy flavor characteristic of baked macaroni.
– **1 tablespoon tomato paste** – Optional, but adds a richer tomato flavor.
– **1/2 cup water or beef broth** – To adjust the sauce consistency and help cook the meat.
– **1 tablespoon soy sauce** – For added savory depth.
– **1 tablespoon sugar** – To balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
– **Salt and pepper** – To taste.
– **1 cup frozen peas** – Optional, but adds color and sweetness.
– **1 small carrot**, diced – Optional, for added texture and flavor.
**For the Pasta:**
– **1 lb elbow macaroni** – The classic choice, although you can use other pasta shapes if desired.
**For the Cheese Sauce:**
– **2 cups quick-melt cheese** – This cheese melts easily and is the standard in Filipino baked macaroni.
– **1 cup cheddar cheese**, shredded – For a sharper flavor.
– **1 cup all-purpose cream** – Adds creaminess to the dish.
– **1/2 cup milk** – To thin out the cream and create a smooth sauce.
– **1 tablespoon butter** – To enhance the richness of the sauce.
– **1 tablespoon flour** – To make a roux (a thickening agent for the sauce).
#### **For Topping:**
– **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese** – This adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness and helps create that golden, crispy top.
**How to Make Filipino Baked Macaroni**
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to break down the cooking process. Filipino **baked macaroni** is a bit of a multi-step process, but each step builds layers of flavor, ensuring a satisfying final dish.
**Step 1: Cook the Macaroni Pasta**
1. **Boil the pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente (firm to the bite).
2. **Drain and rinse**: Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
**Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce**
1. **Cook the ground meat**: In a large pan or skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the **onions** and **garlic** and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the **ground meat** (beef or pork) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. **Add the tomatoes**: Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped **tomatoes** and cook until they soften and break down, about 5 minutes. This helps create a rich base for the sauce.
3. **Add the tomato sauce**: Pour in the **tomato sauce**, along with the **tomato paste** (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
4. **Season**: Add the **soy sauce**, **sugar**, **salt**, and **pepper** to taste. If you want extra flavor, you can also add a splash of **Worcestershire sauce** or **bay leaves** for added complexity.
5. **Simmer**: Add about **1/2 cup of water or beef broth** to the sauce and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. If you’re adding **peas** and **carrots**, throw them in at this point and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
**Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce**
1. **Prepare the roux**: In a separate saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Once melted, add the **flour** and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to create a roux. This helps thicken the cheese sauce.
2. **Add milk and cream**: Slowly pour in the **milk** and **all-purpose cream** while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
3. **Add the cheese**: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the **quick-melt cheese** and **cheddar cheese**. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with **salt and pepper** to taste.
**Step 4: Assemble the Baked Macaroni**
1. **Combine pasta and sauce**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the **cooked macaroni** with the **meat sauce**. Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
2. **Add the cheese sauce**: Pour the **cheese sauce** over the pasta mixture and stir to combine. This creates the creamy, cheesy base that defines baked macaroni.
3. **Transfer to a baking dish**: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. **Top with cheese**: Sprinkle the **mozzarella cheese** evenly over the top of the macaroni. This will melt into a beautiful golden crust as the dish bakes.
**Step 5: Bake the Macaroni**
1. **Preheat the oven**: Set your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and let it preheat while you prepare the dish.
2. **Bake**: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about **20-25 minutes**, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. **Let it rest**: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and makes it easier to cut into portions.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Slice and serve your delicious **Baked Macaroni** hot from the oven. This dish is perfect on its own, but it can also be paired with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
—
**Why You’ll Love Filipino Baked Macaroni**
1. **Rich and Flavorful**: The combination of the savory meat sauce, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta creates a dish with layers of flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.
2. **Crowd-Pleaser**: Whether you’re serving it at a party or making it for a family dinner, Filipino **baked macaroni** is a guaranteed hit. It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, thanks to its cheesy, savory goodness.
3. **Customizable**: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes. Add more vegetables like **mushrooms** or **bell peppers**, or switch out the meat for **chicken** or **sausage**. You can evenLast month, I asked Kawaling Pinoy readers to share their favorite holiday meals. One dish that came up more than the customary lumpiang shanghai, lechon belly, and pineapple glazed ham was baked macaroni. Guys, I cannot agree more! It’s the perfect party food, as not only is it everyone’s favorite, but one pan can also easily feed an army of guests.
I make baked mac and cheese at home once or twice a week. I toss pasta and meat sauce together, top the mixture with grated cheese, throw it all in the oven for a few minutes, and call it a day. However, to turn this dinner staple into a party-worthy dish, a simple mornay sauce makes a lot of difference.
