This baked farfalle pasta dish combines hearty minced meat sauce with creamy béchamel, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- Water
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil
- 400 g farfalle pasta
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 kg minced meat
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Dried ground oregano to taste
- Dried ground sweet paprika to taste
- 300 g canned chopped tomatoes in their own juice
- A bunch of dill
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 40 g butter
- 30 g flour
- 500 ml milk
- Salt to taste
- Dried ground nutmeg to taste
For Topping:
- 100 g hard mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add salt to taste and a bit of vegetable oil.
- Add 400 g of farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Finely chop 1 onion.
- In a large pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic and add to the pan, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add 1 kg of minced meat to the pan and cook until browned.
- Season with salt, ground black pepper, dried ground oregano, and dried ground sweet paprika to taste.
- Add 300 g of canned chopped tomatoes and stir well.
- Finely chop a bunch of dill and add to the sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until well combined.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a separate pan, heat 40 g of butter over medium heat.
- Add 30 g of flour and whisk continuously to form a roux.
- Gradually add 500 ml of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook the sauce until it thickens.
- Season with salt and dried ground nutmeg to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (355 degrees Fahrenheit).
- In a large baking dish, layer the cooked farfalle pasta.
- Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and spread it evenly.
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the meat sauce and spread it evenly.
- Grate 100 g of hard mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it over the top.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve:
- Serve the baked farfalle pasta warm, garnished with extra dill or fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple tomato cucumber salad.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer béchamel sauce, use whole milk.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Benefits:
- This dish provides a balanced mix of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the pasta, and calcium from the cheese.
- Dill adds a fresh flavor and is rich in antioxidants.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe contains gluten and dairy. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and cheese substitutes.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Conclusion:
Enjoy this delicious baked farfalle pasta with meat sauce and béchamel for a hearty and comforting meal. It’s a great dish for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in a savory, cheesy delight.