Ghackets mit Hörnli (Swiss Macaroni with Meat Sauce)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
607 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Swiss
Ghackets mit Hörnli (Swiss Macaroni with Meat Sauce)
Description
The dish begins by sautéing diced onion, carrot, and celery in butter or oil until softened, forming a flavorful base. Ground beef is browned in the pan, then tomato paste, paprika, bay leaf, and thyme are stirred in. Red wine deglazes the pan and cooks down, followed by the addition of beef broth to create a robust meat sauce that simmers for about 30 minutes to concentrate flavors and thicken the sauce. Seasoning with salt and pepper is adjusted at the end, and the bay leaf is removed.
Elbow macaroni (hörnli) is boiled separately until al dente, drained, and portioned onto plates. The meat sauce is ladled over the pasta, creating a classic Swiss comfort dish with rich, savory notes from the aromatic vegetables, spices, and wine-infused beef sauce. Optional grated gruyere or Parmesan cheese adds a melted, tangy accent. Applesauce is traditionally served alongside or after the dish, providing a contrasting sweet freshness.
This dish works well for hearty family meals and can be made in advance. Freezing the leftover meat sauce in airtight containers preserves it for up to three months. Reheating with added liquid prevents dryness. Omitting celery and carrots results in a less complex flavor but still makes a satisfying sauce. The choice to include applesauce is a matter of personal preference, reflecting traditional Swiss dining.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted, or vegetable oil
- 1 onion medium, finely diced
- 1 carrot peeled and finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, trimmed and finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef 450 grams
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
- ½ cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 1 pound elbow macaroni dried, or hörnli
- 2 cups applesauce optional
- gruyere cheese freshly grated, or Parmesan, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet with a lid or other wide pan with a lid over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until mostly softened and the onions begin to turn translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, stirring to break it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, bay leaf, and dried thyme until incorporated. Add the red wine, stir to dissolve the tomato paste and deglaze the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the wine reduces and mostly evaporates, then add the beef broth and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until most of the liquid has reduced. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and remove the bay leaf.
- Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain the macaroni and divide it between 4 serving plates or shallow bowls.
- Top each serving of macaroni with meat sauce, garnish with grated cheese and serve with applesauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Freeze leftover meat sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months, thaw overnight before reheating.
- When reheating meat sauce, add a few drops of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Omitting celery and carrots will reduce flavor complexity but still produce a tasty sauce.
- Applesauce served with this dish is traditional in Switzerland; some enjoy it as a side or dessert after eating.
- Use quality gruyere or Parmesan grated fresh for garnish if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 607 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 607kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 92g | 31% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 78mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 1204mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 827mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 60g | 120% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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