Cheesy Italian Beef Pasta Bake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Italian Beef Pasta Bake, a delightful dish that strikes a perfect balance between savory beef, zesty tomatoes, and creamy cheese. This hearty meal is designed to captivate the taste buds of both adults and children alike, making it a versatile choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. Packed with protein and carbs, it's an all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and can be frozen for future enjoyment. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a truly satisfying experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onions
2 (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
paprika
2 teaspoons (spice)
cheddar cheese
4 ounces (grated, plus extra for topping)
macaroni
6 ounces (cooked and drained)
tinned tomatoes
14 ounces (with juice)
tomato puree
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
beef stock cube
1 (crumbled)
Instructions
1
1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and crushed garlic, cooking gently for about 5 minutes or until the onions are softened and translucent.
2
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
3
3. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, paprika, tinned tomatoes (with their juice), tomato puree, and the crumbled beef stock cube. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
5
5. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and mix in a generous handful of cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.
6
6. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the beef mixture, stirring until the pasta is fully coated and combined.
7
7. Transfer the cheesy beef mixture to a pie or casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
8
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9
9. Serve hot, accompanied by a crisp salad and warm bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Italian Beef Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty casserole dish featuring ground beef, macaroni, zesty tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese.
What type of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
What kind of pasta is used?
The dish uses 6 ounces of macaroni, which should be cooked and drained before mixing.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C or 350°F.
How long does the pasta bake need to be in the oven?
It should be baked for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How many onions are needed?
You will need two chopped onions.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasonings include 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, and 2 teaspoons of paprika.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of grated cheddar cheese plus an additional amount for the topping.
Can this meal be frozen?
Yes, this dish is easy to prepare and can be frozen for future enjoyment.
What should I serve with this pasta bake?
It is recommended to serve it with a fresh salad or warm, crusty bread.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 14-ounce tin of tomatoes with their juice.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires one crushed garlic clove.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
One tablespoon of oil is used to cook the onions and garlic.
When do I add the cheddar cheese?
Mix a handful into the sauce once it has thickened and then sprinkle the rest over the top before baking.
What is the purpose of the beef stock cube?
One crumbled beef stock cube is added to the sauce to enhance the savory flavor.
How long do I cook the onions?
Cook them for about 5 minutes over medium heat until they are softened and translucent.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
The beef should be browned over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink.
Should I cover the sauce while it simmers?
No, the sauce should be left uncovered while simmering to help it thicken.
Is tomato puree included in the ingredients?
Yes, two tablespoons of tomato puree are used for added flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is designed to be family-friendly and appeal to both children and adults.
What are the main nutritional components?
The meal is described as being packed with protein and carbohydrates.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe calls for beef, you could likely substitute other ground meats, though flavor profiles may change.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
It is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden after about 20 minutes in the oven.
What preparation is needed for the garlic?
The garlic clove should be crushed before cooking.
In what order are ingredients added to the pan?
Start with oil, onions, and garlic, followed by beef, then herbs, tomatoes, puree, and the stock cube.
What kind of dish should I use for baking?
A pie dish or a casserole dish is recommended for spreading the mixture evenly.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as an all-in-one meal.
What heat level is used for browning the beef?
Increase the heat to medium-high when adding the ground beef to the pan.