This Cheesy Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and White Sauce is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of minced meat, veggies, and cheese. The layers of creamy white sauce and savory meat sauce paired with al dente pasta make it a satisfying meal for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions. The gooey mozzarella cheese on top adds an irresistible touch that everyone will love. This dish is simple to make but packed with flavor, making it a perfect comfort food.
Preparation, Cooking, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 300g pasta (your choice of pasta, such as penne or fusilli)
For the White Sauce:
- 30g butter
- 30g flour
- 200 ml milk
For the Meat Sauce:
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Small piece of ginger, grated
- 300g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 pepper, chopped
- Pepper mixture (to taste)
- 30g tomato paste
For Assembling:
- 100g cheese, grated (e.g., cheddar or a mix of cheeses)
- Mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 300g pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 30g butter over medium heat.
- Add 30g flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to avoid lumps.
- Gradually add 200 ml milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Once the sauce has thickened, set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add 300g minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and pepper to the pan, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper mixture to taste.
- Stir in 30g tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by half of the white sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the white sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, white sauce, and grated cheese.
- Top with mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
- Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- With a Green Salad: Serve this cheesy pasta casserole with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up the delicious sauces.
- As a Main Course: This casserole is hearty enough to be served as the main dish for a family dinner.
- With a Side of Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or brussels sprouts make a perfect side dish.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 450-500
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
This casserole provides a healthy balance of protein from the minced meat, carbohydrates from the pasta, and calcium from the cheese, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish is inspired by classic Italian pasta bakes, which often feature pasta, cheese, and a rich meat sauce. It combines familiar comfort food elements into one dish, making it incredibly popular for family meals and gatherings. The idea of layering pasta with sauces and cheese has evolved over time, with various cultures adding their own twist to the recipe.
The use of a white sauce and meat sauce adds richness and flavor, while the grated mozzarella on top makes for a beautifully golden and bubbling crust that everyone loves. It’s a simple but satisfying meal that can be easily adapted with different vegetables, spices, or cheese types.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Flavorful: The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese is a comforting classic that never goes out of style.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this casserole is quick and easy to prepare.
- Customizable: You can adjust the vegetables, meats, and cheeses based on your preferences.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Health Benefits
- Protein from Meat: The minced meat provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamins from Vegetables: The carrot and pepper add important vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C, supporting immune health.
- Calcium from Cheese: The mozzarella and other cheeses in the casserole provide calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Fiber from Pasta: The pasta, especially if made with whole wheat, adds fiber that helps support digestion.
Cooking Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the meat sauce will enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well when baked in the casserole.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to add other cheeses like parmesan, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites to the layers.
- Vegetarian Version: You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the minced meat with lentils or chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- Italian Twist: Add Italian sausage or ground turkey for a lighter version of this casserole.
- Extra Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for more flavor and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make the casserole gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and White Sauce is a comforting and filling dish that combines all the best flavors of Italian-inspired cooking. The layers of creamy white sauce, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a great meal for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying dinner at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply bake it when ready to serve. -
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the minced beef with ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options like lentils or tofu. -
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, assemble the casserole in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-5 hours. -
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven. -
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! You can double the cheese if you prefer a cheesier casserole. -
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicy kick. -
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. -
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. -
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. -
Can I make the white sauce vegan?
Yes, replace the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk to make the sauce dairy-free.