Copy Cat Woolworth's Melty Creole Macaroni

Looking for a hearty meal that’s loaded with flavor and just the right amount of comfort? This Zesty Beef and Veggie Mac Bake brings together tender beef, fresh veggies, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melty cheddar cheese.

It’s a perfect dish for a family dinner or a potluck crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying mix of savory goodness and cheesy perfection. This easy-to-make bake will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Photo byGLP

Yield(s): 8-10 servings

20m prep time

40m cook time

425 calories

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 10 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 8 oz tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, adding the onion, mushrooms, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the veggies are softened. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine the brown sugar, oregano, garlic powder, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
4. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, mix the cooked macaroni and beef mixture. Pour the tomato sauce over the top and stir everything together.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Substitutions
For a lighter twist, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you want to skip the cheddar, use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. You can also opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier spin.

Storage Directions
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!

https://12tomatoes.com/woolworths-creole-macaroni/