When it comes to cooking for the family, pasta is often the meal of choice since it is easy to prepare and always tasty. Add some flare to your favourite minced pasta meal by topping it with cheese and baking it. With a traditional meat sauce, your preferred kind of pasta, and bubbling cheese, this simple beef mince pasta bake is a fantastic midweek dinner that everyone can enjoy. Is there anything else that seems so appetising?
BEEF MINCE PASTA BAKE TIPS
The beef mince sauce takes little time to prepare, but thanks to the addition of fennel, not only tastes wonderful but also fills the air with a pleasant perfume. Cheeses such as yellow cheddar and mozzarella are common choices. Even better, mix and match your favourites and finish with some freshly grated parmesan. Before placing the dish in the oven, you may add a layer of cheese and then a layer of white sauce (like bechamel). Accompany your baked pasta meal with a fresh salad.
Pasta is the perfect go-to when you want to whip up a healthy meal. The next time you’re looking for a family-friendly meal, try this beef mince pasta bake.
BEEF MINCE PASTA BAKE RECIPE
Recipe by Carla Zinkfontein
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
INGREDIENTS
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300 g pasta
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500 g minced beef
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1 carrot, chopped or grated
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1 celery stick, finely chopped
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3 tbsp. tomato puree or tomato paste
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400 ml tinned chopped tomatoes
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1 red onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, mined
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried fennel
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100 g grated cheese
METHOD
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain off the water, and set to the side
- In a hot deep saucepan, heat some oil and brown the beef before removing and setting aside.
- Heat some oil in the same pot or frying pan. Add diced onion, and saute until it has softened and turned translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for another minute.
- Add the tomato puree and cook for a minute.
- Add the beef back and then add basil, thyme, oregano and fennel, and cook until the meat has completely cooked.
- Add half a cup of stock and canned tomatoes before letting it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes or until most of the liquid is cooked away.
- While the meat sauce is cooking, preheat the oven to 200°C.
- In a large oven-proof dish, mix the pasta and mince together before layering it with cheese so that there are not open spots left.
- Bake for at least 20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
»BEEF MINCE PASTA BAKE RECIPE«