This baked pasta dish is a comforting and delicious meal that combines tender pasta with a savory minced meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella. It’s a perfect family-friendly recipe that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. The layers of flavors and textures make this dish a standout, and it’s versatile enough to be adapted with your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- Pasta:
- 200g (about 1 cup) Pasta Ditali Rigati
- Béchamel Sauce:
- 80g (about 1/3 cup) butter
- 80g (about 2/3 cup) flour
- 500ml (about 2 cups) milk
- 100g (about 1 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Meat and Vegetables:
- 500g (about 1.1 lbs) minced meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100g (about 1 cup) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 50g (about 3 tablespoons) tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Garnishes:
- Spring onions, chopped
- Parsley, chopped
- Dill (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of oil. Cook the Pasta Ditali Rigati for 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted. Set the sauce aside.
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the mushrooms, bell pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined.
- Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and mixed herbs.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- In a baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, meat and vegetable mixture, and béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and parsley.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Serve with a glass of red wine for a perfect dinner experience.
Cooking Tips:
- To save time, prepare the béchamel sauce while the pasta is cooking.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein-rich: The minced meat provides a good source of protein.
- Calcium: The béchamel sauce and mozzarella offer calcium for strong bones.
- Vitamins: Vegetables like carrots and bell peppers add vitamins A and C.
- Fiber: Pasta and vegetables contribute dietary fiber for digestion.
Dietary Information:
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 450 (approx.)
- Dietary Considerations: Contains gluten, dairy, and meat. Suitable for non-vegetarians.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 2mg
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) until warm, or microwave on medium power.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comfort Food: This baked pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food with layers of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory meat.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish easy to prepare.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or substitute the meat for a vegetarian version.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Conclusion:
This baked pasta with minced meat and béchamel sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel makes every bite comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it once, and it will quickly become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or macaroni.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Substitute the minced meat with plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the béchamel with gluten-free flour.
- Can I add more vegetables?
- Yes, feel free to add zucchini, spinach, or any vegetables you like.
- How do I prevent the béchamel sauce from being lumpy?
- Whisk the flour and butter thoroughly before adding the milk, and add the milk gradually while whisking continuously.
- What can I use instead of mozzarella?
- You can use cheddar, gouda, or any cheese that melts well.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly?
- Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
- What herbs go well with this dish?
- Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would complement the flavors nicely.
- Can I use pre-cooked meat?
- Yes, if using pre-cooked meat, just combine it with the vegetables and tomato paste before layering.