This Hearty Pasta and Meat Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for a family meal. Combining a rich mixture of ground pork and beef, a creamy white sauce, and a savory tomato topping, this casserole is both satisfying and nutritious. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, grated
- 18 ounces (500 grams) ground pork and beef mixture
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Oregano to taste
- Olive oil
- 8 ounces (250 grams) pasta
- 1 ounce (30 grams) butter
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 16 fluid ounces (500 milliliters) milk
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 7 fluid ounces (200 milliliters) tomato sauce
- 7 ounces (150 grams) cheese, grated
Directions:
- Prepare the Onion and Garlic:
- Finely chop the onion and grate the garlic.
- Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the grated garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Cook the Meat:
- Add the ground pork and beef mixture to the pan.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil.
- Bring the water to a boil, then add the pasta.
- Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl.
- Make the White Sauce:
- In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour and mix thoroughly to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue stirring until the sauce starts to boil and thickens.
- Combine Pasta and White Sauce:
- Pour the white sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Lubricate three baking dishes with olive oil.
- Spread a layer of the saucy pasta in each dish.
- Add a layer of the ground meat mixture on top of the pasta.
- In a separate pan, heat some olive oil and fry the chopped tomato until it softens.
- Add the tomato sauce to the pan and mix in 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the sauce.
- Spread this tomato mixture over the meat layer in the baking dishes.
- Add another layer of pasta on top.
- Top with Cheese:
- Grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the top of the casseroles.
- Bake:
- Place the casseroles in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of your favorite wine.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in protein from the meat and cheese.
- Contains vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
- Provides a balanced meal with carbs, protein, and fats.
Dietary Information:
- Contains gluten and dairy.
- Not suitable for vegetarians.
Storage:
- Store any 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 hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
- The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
Conclusion:
This Hearty Pasta and Meat Casserole is a delicious and nutritious meal that your family will love. The layers of saucy pasta, savory meat, and cheesy topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy making and eating this classic comfort dish!