This Creamy Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort food, featuring tender pasta, savory minced meat, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with golden mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty dish that’s easy to make and ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta
- 300 g (10.5 oz) minced meat (beef or pork)
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 leek stalk, finely sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sweet red pepper, diced
- 40 g (3 tbsp) butter
- 20 g (2 tbsp) flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- 100 g (1 cup) hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables and Meat:
- Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and red pepper until softened.
- Add the minced meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and leek. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes, then set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour, whisking continuously to form a smooth paste (roux).
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine and Assemble:
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, and half the prepared sauce. Mix well.
- Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella into the dish and mix slightly. Spread the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for an indulgent side.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Cooking Tips
- Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
- Add spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to enhance the dish.
- If using lean meat, add a bit more oil to ensure the meat stays moist.
Nutritional Benefits
- Provides protein from the minced meat and cheese.
- Includes fiber and vitamins from the vegetables.
- A rich source of calcium from the cheese and milk.
Dietary Information
- This recipe contains gluten and dairy.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- To make it vegetarian, replace the meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
- Deliciously creamy and satisfying.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please the whole family. With its rich, cheesy topping and flavorful layers, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or reheated for an equally tasty meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
- How do I prevent the sauce from clumping? Whisk continuously while adding milk to the roux.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, freeze it before or after baking for up to 2 months.
- Is there a dairy-free option? Use plant-based milk and cheese substitutes.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead? Absolutely, they make a lighter alternative.
- How do I make it spicier? Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- What’s the best cheese for this recipe? Mozzarella for meltiness, or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for added flavor.