Move over, traditional pasta dishes! This Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake brings a new level of excitement to your dining table with its rich layers of meat, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese. A perfect dish for those who love a hearty meal, this recipe surpasses expectations, delivering a flavor-packed experience that’s sure to impress both family and guests. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, this pasta bake is poised to become your new favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 450 g
- Pasta: 300 g (e.g., rigatoni or penne)
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Chopped Tomatoes: 300 ml (canned or fresh)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Leeks: 2, cleaned and sliced
- Creamed Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Flour: 1 tablespoon
- Milk: 500 ml
- Parmesan Cheese: 70 g, grated
- Nutmeg: A pinch
- Cheese: 180 g (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella), grated
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the Pasta
- Boil the pasta as per the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Meat
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onions, garlic, and leeks to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
4. Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the creamed butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps until the sauce thickens.
- Off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the béchamel sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, followed by half of the meat mixture, and half of the grated cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
6. Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve
- Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich and delightful taste!
Tips for Success
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors and textures in the bake.
- Pasta Choice: Choose pasta shapes that hold sauces well, like rigatoni or penne, to enhance the dish’s texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Health Benefits
This dish offers a good balance of protein from the beef and dairy, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a fulfilling and balanced meal option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: What can I substitute for beef if I want a vegetarian option? A: Try using mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute to maintain a hearty texture without the meat.
Conclusion
This Beef and Cheese Pasta Bake not only challenges the mundane offerings of simple pasta dishes but also stands out as a substantial meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying layers, it’s guaranteed to become a mealtime favorite that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat.