Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Filipino Style

Filipino style baked mac combines elbow macaroni ground beef and sweet hotdogs.

The sauce uses banana ketchup sugar and evaporated milk for a unique taste.

Mix pasta with meat sauce and a cheddar cheese roux.

Top with buttered breadcrumbs and bake until golden.

Rest the dish before serving to set the sauce.

Essential ingredients for Filipino style baked mac and cheese.

Pasta and Protein

Start with dried pasta and savory meats.

• Elbow macaroni: 1 lb dried pasta.
• Ground beef: 1/2 lb provides a hearty base.
• Hotdogs: 1 cup chopped adds a distinct Filipino flavor.
• Garlic and onion: Minced for the meat sauté base.

Sauce Components

Create a thick, creamy mixture.

• Butter: 4 tbsp unsalted.
• Flour: 4 tbsp all-purpose for the roux.
• Milk: 2 cups evaporated milk works best.
• Tomato sauce: 1 cup or banana ketchup for sweetness.

Cheese and Seasoning

Balance the flavors with the right cheese.

• Cheddar: 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar.
• Quickmelt: 1 cup ensures the sauce is stretchy.
• Sugar: 1 tsp to cut the tanginess of tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Prepare the creamy pasta and meat sauce mixture.

Cook the Meat Filling

Boil macaroni noodles in salted water.

Cook until al dente.

Drain well and set aside.

Heat oil in a large pan.

Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.

Add ground beef.

Break meat apart while cooking.

Cook until browned evenly.

Mix in chopped hotdogs.

Pour tomato sauce and banana ketchup.

Add sugar, salt, and pepper.

Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.

Stir in flour to make a roux.

Cook for 1 minute to remove flour taste.

Pour evaporated milk gradually.

Whisk constantly to prevent lumps.

Sauce should thicken slightly.

Add shredded cheddar and quickmelt cheese.

Stir until fully melted.

Combine Components

Place pasta in a large bowl.

Add the meat sauce.

Pour cheese sauce over the top.

Mix thoroughly.

Try this simple homemade baked mac and cheese recipe for different methods.

For a creamier base, check the homemade mac and cheese recipe with Velveeta.

Visit baked mac and cheese recipe simple for more ideas.

Baking instructions for a golden cheesy topping.

Preheat and Assemble

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.

Transfer the prepared pasta mixture into the dish.

Spread the macaroni evenly with a spatula.

Ensure the meat and cheese are distributed well.

Make the Crust

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in a bowl.

Add extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese.

Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand.

Sprinkle this topping over the pasta.

Cover the entire surface for maximum crunch.

You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers.

Try a Ritz cracker topping for a buttery taste.

Bake and Broil

Place the dish in the center of the oven.

Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes.

Watch for the sauce to bubble around the edges.

The top should turn a deep golden color.

If the topping remains pale, use the broiler.

Set to broil for 1 to 2 minutes.

Watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.

Rest and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven.

Let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes.

This allows the sauce to set and thicken.

Scoop portions while still warm.

See other homemade baked mac and cheese recipes for more tips.

Tips for serving and customizing your dish.

Serving Suggestions

Let the baked macaroni rest for 10 minutes.

This ensures the sauce sets properly.

Scoop servings while warm.

Garnish with chopped spring onions for freshness.

Parsley adds color as an alternative.

Serve this dish as a main course for lunch.

It pairs well with garlic bread or buttered toast.

Fried chicken is a classic side dish combination.

Customization Ideas

Swap ground beef for Spam or corned beef.

These options offer a distinct salty flavor.

Add diced mushrooms for extra texture.

Stir in green peas for a pop of color.

• Add bacon: Crispy bacon bits enhance the savory profile.
• Add spice: Jalapenos provide a kick.
• Add cheese: Mix different types for depth.

Use a bacon recipe guide for preparing the meat.

Refer to a jalapeno recipe for heat levels.

Try a 3 cheese recipe blend for richness.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers completely before storing.

Transfer to an airtight container.

Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze portions for up to 1 month.

Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water.

Oven heating retains the crispy texture better.