If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, this Minced Meat Pasta Bake is a perfect choice. This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of minced meat, savory tomato sauce, Italian herbs, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Minced Meat Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
– 1 lb minced meat (beef or turkey)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the minced meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the pasta and meat sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Once done, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve this Minced Meat Pasta Bake with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of hearty meat sauce, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, this dish is great for making ahead and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious pasta bake and create cozy memories around the dinner table with your loved ones.
