Inspired by a friend from Italy, this recipe brings the flavors of traditional Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 liters of water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 grams of chifferi pasta (or any other short pasta)
- Olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into small cubes
- 600 grams ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped into cubes
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 leek stalk, chopped into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons wheat flour
- 500 ml milk (room temperature)
- 300 grams grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook Pasta: Add 250 grams of chifferi pasta. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until slightly golden brown.
- Add Bell Pepper: Add the chopped red bell pepper and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Cook Beef: Add 600 grams of ground beef to the skillet. Stir continuously until all the moisture has evaporated and the beef is browned.
- Season: Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika. Stir until well combined.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and stir for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
- Melt Butter: In another large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Sauté Leek: Add the chopped leek and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Make Roux: Add 2 tablespoons of wheat flour and stir until dissolved and slightly golden.
- Add Milk: Gradually add 500 ml of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Blend Sauce: Pour the sauce into a large container and blend with a mixer until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Mix Pasta with Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the prepared cream sauce. Mix until the pasta is well coated.
- Layer the Pasta and Meat: In 3 glass containers, start by adding 4 spoonfuls of the pasta mixture to each container. Follow with an equal amount of the meat sauce. Top with another 4 spoonfuls of pasta mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Finish by sprinkling each container with 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake: Place the containers in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian-style pasta bake!
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Parmesan, Gruyère, or provolone for varied flavors.
- Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley to the meat sauce for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Benefits:
This pasta bake offers a well-rounded meal with carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the ground beef, and vitamins from the vegetables. To make it even healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of cheese.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
This Italian-style pasta bake is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy sauce, flavorful meat, and melted cheese makes it irresistible. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the taste of Italy at home!
