Finnish Meat and Macaroni Casserole Recipe – Classic Lihamakaronilaatikko
Finnish Meat and Macaroni Casserole, or Lihamakaronilaatikko, is a beloved traditional comfort food made with ground beef, tender macaroni, and a creamy egg-milk custard. This easy-to-make baked casserole features a golden breadcrumb topping and a flavorful mix of spices, perfect for family dinners.In this version, generous amounts of black pepper and allspice add a warm, aromatic kick. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the spices to your liking. Serve it with a fresh salad, pickled cucumbers, and ketchup for an authentic Finnish meal everyone will enjoy.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling macaroni)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Heavy frying pan or skillet (e.g., cast iron)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl (for egg & milk mixture)
- Whisk or fork (for mixing custard)
- Greased baking dish (approx. 20x30 cm / 8x12 in)
Ingredients
- 2 liters water bring to boil
- 2 beef broth cubes or use homemade beef broth
- 1 tsp salt optional, depending on broth saltiness
- 6 dl about 2.5 cups macaroni
The ground beef mixture
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 500 g about 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork-beef mix)
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- 1 tsp black pepper ground or freshly cracked
- 1 tsp allspice ground
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
The egg and milk mixture
- 7 dl about 3 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the topping:
- 1 dl about ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Approx. 3 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pan (cast iron works great).
- Brown the ground meat thoroughly until you get a nice crust. This adds flavor and texture.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté together with the meat for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in black pepper, allspice, and salt.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, but flavor the boiling water with the beef broth cubes or broth. If the broth is low in salt, add 1 tsp salt to the water.
- When the macaroni is cooked, drain well and return to the pot.
- Mix the meat mixture thoroughly into the macaroni.
- Prepare the egg and milk mixture by whisking the eggs into the milk one at a time. Add salt and white pepper.
- Transfer the macaroni and meat mixture into a greased baking dish. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over it.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Dot with butter or, for extra richness, shave thin slices of butter over the breadcrumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 1 hour, until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
- Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh salad, pickled cucumbers (like Finnish mummonkurkut), and ketchup for a traditional Finnish meal.