• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Foxy Folksy logo

  • ALL Recipes
    • COOKING + BAKING TIPS
  • RECIPE by Category
    • By Course/Meal:
      • Appetizers
      • Bread
      • Breakfast Ideas
      • Dessert + Sweets
      • Salad Recipes
      • Soup Recipes
      • Drinks
    • By Main Ingredient:
      • Beef Recipes
      • Chicken + Poultry
      • Pork Recipes
      • Fish + Seafood Recipes
      • Pasta + Noodle Recipes
      • Vegetable Recipes
    • By Cuisine:
      • Asian Dishes
      • Meditteranean/ Mid. Eastern
  • Filipino Dishes
  • ABOUT
    • About the Recipes
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • ALL RECIPES
  • BY COURSE/MEAL:
    • Appetizers
    • Bread
    • Breakfast Ideas
    • Dessert + Sweets
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Sandwiches/Light Meals
    • Drinks
    • Sauces and Condiments
  • BY MAIN INGREDIENT:
    • Beef Recipes
    • Chicken + Poultry Recipes
    • Fish + Seafood Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Pasta + Noodle Recipes
    • Rice and Grains Recipes
    • Fruits Recipes
    • Vegetable Recipes
  • BY CUISINE:
    • Asian Dishes
    • Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
    • Italian
  • FILIPINO RECIPES
  • ABOUT
    • About the Recipes
    • Contact
×

Home > Pasta + Noodle Recipes

Baked Macaroni made Easy

BY :Bebs | Published: 05/20/ 2021 | Updated:06/23/ 2021 | 10 Comments

RECIPE VIDEO PRINT
5 from 4 votes
Share Pin It Email

This Cheesy Baked Macaroni is made meatier and comes with that hint of sweetness that has become a Filipino pasta trademark! With a streamlined process that makes it a breeze to prepare, making it a perfect dish for get-togethers, picnics, and potlucks.

A square serving of cheesy baked macaroni on a plate.
Jump to:
  • What is Filipino Baked Macaroni?
  • Macaroni Pasta in different ways
  • Foxy Tips when making Baked Macaroni
  • Making it Ahead
  • Storing leftovers
  • What to serve with it
  • Printable Recipe
  • More delicious pasta recipes to try

  • What is Filipino Baked Macaroni?
  • Macaroni Pasta in different ways
  • Foxy Tips when making Baked Macaroni
  • Making it Ahead
  • Storing leftovers
  • What to serve with it
  • Printable Recipe
  • Baked Macaroni- Filipino Style
  • More delicious pasta recipes to try

What is Filipino Baked Macaroni?

What makes it different from the all-time American favorite version is the addition of sliced hotdogs and the use of sweet-style Filipino spaghetti pasta. While keeping the traditional use of elbow macaroni and cheese sauce, Filipino baked mac is on the meaty side with added ground beef. A layer of cheese sauce is also added on top.

I have also streamlined the process to keep it simple and easy to make. By adding the uncooked macaroni directly to the pot and let it cook in the sauce instead of having to cook it separately. Less process, less utensils to clean and best of all it lets the pasta absorb all the flavors right from the start.

Ingredients for Filipino baked macaroni

Macaroni Pasta in different ways

I have tried making different versions of this pasta dish, and each one is deliciously unique in its own way!

If you do not have an oven, you can skip the baking part and simply pour the cheese sauce on top of the cooked pasta. It'll be similar to my Classic Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe, minus the spaghetti sauce and hotdogs. It's an all-time American classic version that is super cheesy and quick to make.

You might also want to try my Super Chili Mac and Cheese recipe. It replaces the hotdogs with kidney beans and uses cayenne pepper and paprika to give it that mildly spicy flavor!

Foxy Tips when making Baked Macaroni

  • When making the cheese sauce, use low heat only. Do not let the Béchamel boil before adding the cheese or it will not be as smooth and creamy. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming or burning the bottom.
  • Do not fully cook the pasta the first time. Remove from heat once it is almost al dente. Remember that it will cook further in the oven.
  • If you like to have a more cheesy baked top, use a wider pan so you can spread it out more. Just make sure to check for doneness to prevent it from burning.
  • Let the cheese sauce form a bit by allowing the dish to cool down for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure cleaner slices.
Baked Macaroni in individual small baking dishes.

Making it Ahead

Though this recipe is easy enough to make, you can prepare it ahead of time especially when you need to serve it early the next day. You can cook the pasta in spaghetti sauce the day before and refrigerate it overnight. All you have to do the following day is to make the cheese sauce, place the pasta in a baking dish, pour the cheese sauce on top, and bake for 15 minutes.

I prefer making the cheese sauce the same day as serving for better consistency, but you are also welcome to cook it the day before, just place it on a separate sealed container and refrigerate.

Storing leftovers

Refrigerate. Place it in a tight-lidded container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can simply reheat it using your microwave or by popping it back in your oven for a few minutes.

Freezing. You can freeze baked macaroni to enjoy on a later date. Make sure to let it cool down completely first. Place in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. If you don't have one, just wrap it tightly using aluminum foil, then for good measure, seal it inside a ziplock bag. It will keep for at least 3 months.

What to serve with it

Serve it with some freshly baked Garlic Knots or try our easy Puff Pastry Sticks for a light weekday meal. It will also go great with your favorite salad.

Make some as a side to your delicious mains like

  • Camaron Rebosado,
  • Parmesan Crusted Chicken,
  • Breaded Pork Chops, and
  • Butterflied Roast Chicken.
Filipino-style baked macaroni topped with cheese.

Printable Recipe

Baked Macaroni Recipe made Easy
Print Review

Baked Macaroni- Filipino Style

5 from 4 votes
This Cheesy Baked Macaroni is made meatier and comes with that hint of sweetness that has become a Filipino pasta trademark! With a streamlined process that makes it a breeze to prepare, making it a perfect dish for get-togethers, picnics, and potlucks.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Course :Dinner, Side Dish
Servings =8 people
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients
 

MACARONI

  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 4-5 pieces hotdogs cut into diagonal slices
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped finely
  • 1 big red bell pepper
  • 500 grams lean ground beef
  • 500 grams elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups spaghetti sauce sweet-style
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 ½ cups water adjust if needed

CHEESE SAUCE

  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 3 tablespoon flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cup processed cheese or quickmelt cheese grated

Instructions
 

CHEESE SAUCE:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir until well mixed. Gradually add milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  • Once all the milk is added and sauce starts to thicken, add 1cup grated cheese. Stir again until it becomes smooth and no more lumps are visible. Remove from heat and set aside.

MACARONI:

  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat and stir-fry slices of hotdogs until cooked then remove from oil and set aside.
  • Add butter to the remaining oil in the pot. Saute onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until onions are limp and aromatic. Add ground beef. Break the lumps with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink.
  • Add the uncooked macaroni and mix. Cook for a minute or two.
  • Pour in spaghetti sauce and season with salt and pepper. And cook for another minute or two, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the water and mix well. Cover the pot and cook for 5 minutes or until pasta is almost al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven. Season as needed and add the cooked hotdogs and mix.
  • Transfer the content of the pot to a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce on top. Then top with remaining grated cheese.
  • Bake on a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 608kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 33gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1572mgPotassium: 923mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1189IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 338mgIron: 4mg
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

More delicious pasta recipes to try

  • Special Aligue Pasta Fusilli
  • Pesto Pasta with Tuna
  • Quick and Easy Creamy Carbonara (No Egg)
  • Seafood Pasta Linguine in Chunky Tomato Sauce
« Molotof (Portuguese Meringue Pudding)
Homemade Fish Balls »

Latest Recipes

Creamy Peanut Butter with both smooth and chunky versions.

Homemade Peanut Butter

Tuna Sisig on a sizzling plate topped with chicharon and chilis.

Tuna Sisig

Soft, fluffy Choco butternut donuts with a silky vanilla glaze and coated with sweet orange butternut streus

Choco Butternut Donuts

Freshly cooked Java rice on a plate with grilled meat and atchara on the side.

Java Rice

Smooth and creamy whole egg leche flan.

Whole Egg Leche Flan

Freshly cooked creamy prawn pasta with thick garlicky white sauce and studded with mushrooms.

Creamy Prawn Pasta

Kilawing Puso ng Saging with Shrimp is a hearty and healthy dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Kilawing Puso ng Saging

Pancit Lomi is a tasty and hearty egg-noodle soup topped with flavorful toppings.

Lomi

Reader Interactions

Comments

    What do you think? Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate this Recipe




  1. Jay says

    December 29, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    5 stars
    Hi,
    Is it fresh milk that you use? And also uncooked elbow macaroni directly? Is it not getting hard to cook because of putting the sweet style sauce next to elbow macaroni?

    Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      January 04, 2022 at 3:15 pm

      Hi Jay, yes I used fresh milk. You can also use evaporated milk. And yes, you add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly as it will be cooked together with the sauce.

      Reply
  2. Silver Pines says

    November 17, 2021 at 12:53 pm

    Hi Bebs,

    Is this some kind similar to the baked mac they sell at Nathaniels or Toll House? I miss the baked mac at those restaurants. Thank you

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      March 03, 2022 at 12:43 am

      The Toll House baked mac is on the sweeter side and this is not as sweet. If you like you can add sugar or condensed milk.

      Reply
  3. vanina says

    October 18, 2021 at 9:52 pm

    5 stars
    its so yummy!

    Reply
  4. AGE says

    September 16, 2021 at 8:30 am

    5 stars
    Superyummy! My family loved it and now Im making another one. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  5. JENNY DC. CARPON says

    May 20, 2021 at 7:56 pm

    5 stars
    i love it! 5 star for me! and i will add this in my menu for my graduation dinner for my daughter this coming end of may. thank you!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 21, 2021 at 1:55 pm

      That is great, Jenny and congratulations to you and your daughter.

      Reply
  6. Doug says

    May 20, 2021 at 8:14 am

    Hello !

    Even after I click on "US Customary"
    it still displays some ingredients in metric.
    > 500 grams lean ground beef
    > 500 grams elbow macaroni

    Can you correct this

    Salamat !!!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 21, 2021 at 3:28 pm

      Yes, this is difficult for us, LOL. We Filipinos have a different system of measurements. We've combined both metric and imperial and most do not know how much a pound or a fluid oz is. So I try to write it in the format more common to us or to more people, sorry fr that. But I will try include the the US customary on the description if I can.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Author photo

Good food does not have to be expensive or difficult to make. With our recipes, you can make budget-friendly and restaurant-worthy dishes in no time!

Learn more→

  • Homemade Peanut Butter
  • Tuna Sisig
  • Choco Butternut Donuts
  • Java Rice

Subscribe

Ebook
Receive new posts directly delivered to your inbox As a bonus, a FREE eCookbook and printable Recipe Cards upon subscription
  • Pan Roasted Garlic Mushroom and Baby Potatoes

  • Easy Pork Hamonado Recipe using Pork Belly

  • How to take care of orchids?

  • Easy Chop Suey Recipe

  • How to make Black Tapioca Pearls for Bubble Tea (Milk Tea)

  • Fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs in Oven

Footer

  • Filipino Spanish Bread Recipe
  • Chicken Sotanghon Soup
  • Coffee Jelly
  • Pichi Pichi Recipe
  • Japanese Cheesecake
  • Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Footer

↑ back to top

FEATURE ICONS

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 Foxy Folksy All Rights Reserved

HOME | ABOUT | CONTACT | RECIPE INDEX

PRIVACY POLICY| DISCLOSURE|COPYRIGHT POLICY