Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Our Cheesy Mince Pasta Bake recipe is the perfect choice for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends. This hearty dish is packed with flavorful ingredients and gooey melted cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Cheesy Mince Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked penne pasta evenly on the bottom.
7. Pour half of the meat and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
9. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pasta bake is heated through.
12. Let the Cheesy Mince Pasta Bake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to set.
Dig into this Cheesy Mince Pasta Bake and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Experiment with different types of cheese or additional vegetables to make it your own. Serve with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm both hearts and bellies.
