Pasta bake
Go classic with an easy pasta bake recipe with minced beef and mozzarella. Al dente penne is mixed with a rich tomato sauce, oregano, and basil, then topped with a golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. This is proper comfort food, made at home.
Ingredients
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350 g
Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
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400 g
Minced beef
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1
Onion
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2
Garlic cloves
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1 can
Chopped tomatoes (400 g)
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2 tbsp
Tomato purée
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100 ml
Beef stock
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1
Oregano
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1 tsp
Dried basil
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1 tsp
Sugar
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½ tsp
Chilli flakes
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100 g
Mozzarella, grated
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25 g
Parmesan cheese, grated
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Olive oil for frying
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Salt
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Freshly ground pepper
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Simmer the sauce uncovered so excess moisture evaporates and the flavours concentrate. As it thickens, check the consistency. If it becomes a little too thick, stir in a small splash of the pasta’s starchy cooking water. The starchy water does not dilute the sauce; it helps it cling more smoothly to the pasta while keeping that rich, reduced consistency.
After draining the pasta, let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the surface starch gels a bit. This prevents the pasta from tearing when tossed with the sauce and helps the sauce cling more tightly as the dish bakes in the oven.
After removing the pasta bake from the oven, let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This makes the final result even better as the sauce thickens and sticks better to the pasta, while the flavours from the beef, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese blend more smoothly.
FAQ: Questions about pasta bake
Keep reading below to get all the answers you need for this pasta bake. The questions and answers will help you make the most of the recipe and get the best homemade meal.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
To keep the pasta from getting mushy, begin by undercooking it slightly, a few minutes before al dente. This helps keep the pasta firm as it finishes cooking in the oven. After boiling, drain the pasta well to avoid watering down your sauce. Be careful not to overbake the dish, as it can soften the pasta too much. After baking, let it sit for a few minutes so the flavours meld without cooking the pasta further.
How do I get a golden, bubbly cheese topping?
Bake the pasta dish for about 20 minutes at 200 °C until the cheese has melted and is starting to turn golden and bubbly. If it needs a bit more colour, switch to grill mode for 2–3 minutes at the end. Spread the cheese out in an even layer so it browns nicely without drying out, and keep an eye on it while grilling to avoid burning. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the dish halfway through.
How do I store leftover pasta bake?
Let the pasta bake cool to room temperature first, but for no longer than two hours to avoid bacterial growth. Transfer the cooled leftovers to an airtight container so they do not dry out and to keep fridge odours from seeping in. Store it in the fridge and eat it within 2-3 days. When reheating, cover it with foil in the oven for the best texture, or add a little water or sauce in the microwave to keep it moist.
Can I freeze pasta bake?
Yes, you can freeze your pasta bake, both pre-bake and post-bake, for up to three months. To freeze it pre-bake, assemble everything in the baking dish and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in cling film, then in aluminium foil to protect against freezer burn. When you are ready to make it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 180 °C for 30–40 minutes until hot and bubbly. If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake for 60–90 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10–15 minutes to brown the cheese. To freeze it post-bake, freeze the whole dish the same way as described above or freeze leftovers in portion-sized, freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible beforehand. Reheat in the oven either from frozen or thawed.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
1046 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 4.4 g |
| Protein | 26.6 % | 68.4 g |
| Fat | 27.2 % | 32.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46.2 % | 119 g |
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Make an easy cheesy pasta bake
Our cheesy pasta bake is the most delicious, easy oven-baked meal. It combines tender pasta coated in a savoury minced beef and tomato sauce with creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Try this pasta bake recipe whenever you want something hearty without much fuss.
If you are in the mood for more cosy, oven-baked dinners, we have plenty to choose from. Try our scrumptiously cheesy potato bake, halloumi traybake with vegetables, meatball orzo bake, or chicken and broccoli pasta bake.
A hearty tomato and meat sauce with herbs and chilli
The aromatic tomato and meat sauce for this bake is a heartwarming blend of ripe tomatoes and savoury browned meat. What makes it so tasty is the addition of fresh herbs and spices, like earthy oregano, sweet aromatic basil, and a bit of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Throw in a few chilli flakes to add some excitement to the palate; it is just enough to add a little spark without making the sauce spicy.
Comfort food for cosy weeknights
The best comfort food is an easy one, and this pasta bake is comfort at its finest. Quick and easy to make, it is ideal for weeknights when you want to treat yourself, your family, or your best friends at a casual gathering.
And when you do have guests, serve it with a bunch of sides. Serve it hot from the oven with a side of fresh, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and your favourite salad; it is sure to be a crowd pleaser no matter the setting.
Make a few changes of your own
Every recipe is open for interpretation, and in this pasta bake, you can experiment with both the meat sauce and pasta types, as well as the cheese. Swap minced beef for chicken, soy bites, or a mix of lentils, beans, and vegetables; anything that goes well with the tomato sauce makes for a tasty swap.
Try mixing in different cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy Gouda along with the mozzarella and Parmesan. Go for your favourite cheese, but only those that melt well. This way, you get the best, smooth, cheesy pasta bake full of different cheese types that will add flavours ranging from sharp and tangy to mild and sweet.
