Macarona Forn Recipe

Recipe Name: Macarona bil Forn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Medium
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Maltese

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Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) short pasta (penne, macaroni, or rigatoni)

• 500g (1 lb) minced beef or lamb

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, traditional touch)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup milk

• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or extra cheese

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Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Skillet or saucepan for meat sauce

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Whisk

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Time: 10 minutes | Intensity: Low

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions so it remains firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

3. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Time: 15 minutes | Intensity: Medium

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Add minced beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking up lumps with a spatula.

5. Stir in tomato passata, tomato paste, oregano, basil, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.

6. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.

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Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Time: 2 minutes | Intensity: Low

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and ½ cup milk until smooth.

2. This will help bind the pasta layers together during baking.

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Step 4: Assemble the Macarona bil Forn

Time: 8 minutes | Intensity: Medium

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter.

3. Layer half of the cooked pasta on the bottom of the dish.

4. Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta.

5. Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese on top.

6. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheddar cheese.

7. Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered pasta.

8. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese for a golden finish.

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Step 5: Bake the Macarona bil Forn

Time: 25-30 minutes | Intensity: Medium

1. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

2. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

3. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.

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Step 6: Serving Suggestions

Time: 2 minutes | Intensity: Low

• Serve warm with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

• Pairs well with a light red wine or fresh lemonade for family dinners.

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Chef’s Tips

1. Pasta: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t become mushy during baking.

2. Meat: You can use a combination of beef and pork for a richer flavor.

3. Cheese: Experiment with mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy taste.

4. Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate; bake it the next day.

5. Spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon is traditional in Maltese baked pasta, giving it a subtle warmth.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Fat: 22 g

  • Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

  • Sugars: 6 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

• Sodium: 550 mg

• Cholesterol: 100 mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the type of meat and cheese used.

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Recipe Summary

Macarona bil Forn is a hearty, Mediterranean-style baked pasta dish, perfect for family dinners or festive occasions. Combining layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and rich cheese, this dish delivers a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both filling and satisfying.

The key to success is slightly undercooking the pasta, creating a flavorful meat sauce with aromatic spices, and finishing with a golden, cheesy topping. It’s versatile enough to adapt to different meats, cheeses, and even vegetables for a lighter version.

With about 65 minutes total preparation and cooking time, this baked pasta is an ideal recipe for weekend meals, gatherings, or when you want a warm, satisfying dish with minimal fuss.