This surprise pasta pie is a delightful and impressive dish that combines the comfort of pasta with a flavorful beef sauce, all topped with creamy sour cream and melty cheese. The use of a springform pan not only makes it easier to serve but also adds a wow factor to your presentation. Follow these steps to create this stunning and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta)
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (400 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 grams sour cream
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef Sauce
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute before adding the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Assembling the Pasta Pie
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C).
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Layer Pasta in Pan: Lightly grease a springform pan with olive oil. Arrange the cooked pasta vertically in the pan, filling it up entirely. This step takes some time but ensures an impressive presentation.
- Add Beef Sauce: Gently pour the beef sauce over the pasta, making sure to fill all the gaps. Use a spoon to help the sauce penetrate down through the pasta.
- Spread Sour Cream: Spread 200 grams of sour cream evenly over the beef sauce layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sour cream layer. Optionally, you can add grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- Season with Oregano: Sprinkle dried oregano over the top to enhance the flavor.
3. Baking the Pasta Pie
- Bake: Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown top.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set.
4. Serving
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Remove from Pan: Carefully release the springform pan and transfer the pasta pie to a serving plate.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the pasta pie into wedges and serve warm. The layers of pasta, beef sauce, and cheese will be visible and absolutely mouthwatering.
Tips for Success:
- Pasta Choice: Tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni or penne works best for this recipe as it stands upright easily and holds the sauce well.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for different flavors.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble the pasta pie just before baking.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage.
Q: What if I don’t have a springform pan? A: You can use a regular baking dish, but the presentation might not be as dramatic. Just layer the pasta horizontally instead.
Q: How can I make this vegetarian? A: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze any leftovers. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
This surprise pasta pie is a fun and delicious way to enjoy pasta. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy layers, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing this impressive dish with your loved ones!
