Bolognese Pasta Bake – this is a very easy pasta bake that combines two different types of minces, a sprinkling of herbs and some great flavour additions that ensure that it’s a winner each and every time.
Being a pasta dish, I typically find these meals very warming and hearty. However, for me, when you are working with a relatively tasteless ingredient like pasta, special attention needs to be paid to the sauce to ensure that there is maximum flavour otherwise the whole experience can be similar to eating a cardboard box!
This recipe is a little time consuming, but well worth the effort and there are a few tips that I can share to help you get this meal on the table as quickly as possible and ensure that those hungry mouths are fed and content.
Bolognese Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 250 grams pork mince
- 250 grams veal mince
- 1 brown onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- handful fresh oregano leaves
- 2 carrots peeled & grated
- 400 gram can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 cup water
- 500 grams rigatoni pasta
- 20 grams salted butter
- 225 grams perfect bakes cheese blend
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large non-stick frypan, add a splash of olive oil and place over a medium – high heat. Add the mince and cook for 5 minutes or until browned. Stirring occasionally.
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Next, add the onion, garlic, oregano and carrots. Cook until softened, or roughly 3-5 minutes.
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Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, stock and water, season with salt and pepper, stir to combine and allow to simmer for 45 minutes or until the liquid has reduced and the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat.
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Pre-heat the oven to 180C
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Bring a large pot of water to the boil and add some salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente then drain.
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Add the drained pasta, butter and half of the cheese to the Bolognese sauce and season with salt and pepper if required.
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Place the Bolognese into a large baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove from the oven, allow to rest for a couple of minutes and serve.
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