Description
Macaroni Schotel is a delicious baked macaroni casserole from Indonesia, combining creamy cheese, sautéed onions and garlic, and optionally ground beef or chicken. This comforting dish is baked until golden and bubbly, creating a rich, cheesy meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni:
- 2 cups Macaroni (uncooked)
Filling and Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 lb Ground beef or chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika (optional)
Topping and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup Bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking or casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. If using ground beef or chicken, add it now and cook until browned through. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika if desired.
- Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and eggs. Add grated cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, mixing until well combined. Then incorporate the sautéed onion, garlic, and meat mixture along with the cooked macaroni, stirring everything together thoroughly.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the prepared macaroni mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the top to add a crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can omit the ground meat for a vegetarian version.
- Using a combination of cheeses gives a richer flavor and creamier texture.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunch.
- Letting the dish cool slightly before serving helps it set and slice better.
