Dutch Macaroni with a Twist

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) macaroni 250g (8.8 oz) macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 200g (7 oz) ground beef 200g (7 oz) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 100g (3.5 oz) grated Gouda cheese 100g (3.5 oz) grated Gouda cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 kcal / 2176 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 7g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced bell pepper and carrot to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. 5.
   Stir in the paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
6. 6.
   Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the grated Gouda cheese over the top and cover the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Make sure to use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Gouda cheese — Opt for a high-quality Gouda cheese for the best flavor. If Gouda is not available, you can use Cheddar or Edam cheese as alternatives.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or corn for extra color and flavor.
• To make it more indulgent, top the macaroni with crispy bacon bits before serving.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Dutch Macaroni hot as a main course. It pairs well with a fresh green salad on the side.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Dutch Macaroni with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style presentation.