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Macarona Forn

Macarona Forn
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Macarona Forn is a traditional Mediterranean baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender pasta, savory ground meat sauce, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, this comfort food combines aromatic herbs and spices for a rich, satisfying meal that can be customized to suit vegetarian, gluten-free, or extra creamy preferences. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and meal prep, it delivers warm flavors and a deliciously melty crust every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Meat Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or kefalotyri cheese

Optional Ingredients for Variations

  • Roasted vegetables or mushrooms (for vegetarian option)
  • Red chili flakes or chopped spicy peppers (for spicy kick)
  • Feta or parmesan cheese (for cheese variety)
  • Gluten-free pasta (for gluten-free version)
  • Béchamel sauce (for extra creamy texture)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just under al dente, usually about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking as it will finish baking in the oven.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up any lumps. Stir in the tomato sauce and season with oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the warm meat sauce thoroughly, ensuring every piece is well coated with sauce. This mixture forms the base of your Macarona Forn.
  4. Layer and Add Cheese: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, then finish by topping with another layer of cheese to create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cheese such as fresh mozzarella or aged kefalotyri for the best melting and flavor.
  • Undercook pasta slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Season the sauce generously and taste before baking to ensure perfect flavor balance.
  • Let the baked dish rest a few minutes after removing from the oven for neater slices.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving to add aroma and color.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • The dish freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered to maintain a crispy top, or microwave for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: Macarona Forn, baked pasta, Mediterranean pasta bake, traditional Greek pasta, comfort food, easy weeknight meal, family dinner, baked rigatoni, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/macarona-forn/