Creamy Beef Mince and Tomato Pasta Bake
Ground beef, canned tomatoes, and cream come together in a cheesy pasta bake that goes from stovetop to oven in well under 30 minutes. The beef and tomato sauce is cooked first, then combined with pasta and baked until the top is golden and bubbling. It's a straightforward, filling weeknight meal the whole family will eat without complaint.
Ingredients
- 200 grams pasta Use penne or a similar type for best results
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin preferred
- 1 onion medium, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lbs beef mince Choose lean for healthier options
- 1 cup tomato passata or canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup cream heavy or double cream for richness
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano for herbaceous aroma
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Boil water in a pot and add salt.
- While waiting for the water to boil, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking it for a minute until golden but not burnt. Add the beef mince and cook until browned all over, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato passata. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Let it simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- As the sauce simmers, cook the pasta until just al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and reserve.
- Stir the cream into the beef and tomato sauce, allowing it to combine fully, about 2 minutes.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the creamy beef sauce. Transfer this blend to a baking dish.
- Top with grated mozzarella cheese and bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and golden brown on top, about 10-15 minutes.
Notes
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese before baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 816kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 33gFat: 56gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 760mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1407IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 232mgIron: 4mg
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