Fırın Makarna

Fırın Makarna is a comforting Turkish baked pasta dish that is naturally gluten-free, made with rice pasta and a creamy cheese sauce. It's a deliciously satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to the table.

Ingredients

• Rice pasta - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Tomato - 2 medium, diced
• Ground beef - 200 grams
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Cream cheese - 100 grams
• Mozzarella cheese - 100 grams, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the rice pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Add the diced bell pepper and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, cream cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from beef and cheese, supporting muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from vegetables, contributing to overall health.

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