This recipe isn’t just a pasta bake, it’s a taste of tradition! Inspired by a family recipe from a quaint Italian village, this Nonna’s One-Pan Pasta Bake is bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress. It’s a hearty combination of juicy minced meat, colorful peppers, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to gooey perfection.
Ingredients:
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sweet peppers, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- For the Meat Sauce:
- Vegetable oil
- 600 g minced meat (beef or pork)
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Dried ground sweet paprika
- 150 g tomato sauce
- For the Pasta:
- 200 g Pipe Rigate pasta
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 40 g butter
- 20 g flour
- 500 ml milk
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Ground nutmeg
- For Topping:
- 150 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
Directions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onion, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes as instructed.
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for a minute, then add peppers and cook for a few more minutes. Brown the minced meat, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Finally, add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, simmering until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta according to package instructions, and drain when al dente.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). Grease a baking dish. Layer the cooked pasta on the bottom, followed by the meat and vegetable mixture, and top it all off with the béchamel sauce. Generously sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving and enjoy a taste of Italy!
More Information:
- Feel free to customize the vegetables! Use other favorites like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- You can adjust the amount of meat depending on your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Nonna’s One-Pan Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. It’s easy to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a taste that will transport you straight to a charming Italian village. So ditch the takeout menus and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!