This cheesy baked pasta with ground meat is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy mozzarella sauce, it’s a comfort food classic that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
🍽️ Cheesy Baked Pasta with Ground Meat – A Family Favorite
Looking for a rich and comforting meal that brings everyone to the table? This baked pasta recipe combines al dente noodles, seasoned ground meat, and a velvety cheese sauce for a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s a go-to recipe that’s easy to customize and even easier to love.
🧾 Ingredients & Prep Time
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 250 g |
| Onion (diced) | 1 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 |
| Sweet red bell pepper | 1 (diced) |
| Ground meat | 600 g |
| Tomatoes (diced) | 2 |
| Leek (sliced) | 1 stalk |
| Butter | 40 g |
| Flour | 20 g |
| Milk | 500 ml |
| Mozzarella (grated) | 100 g |
| Vegetable oil | As needed |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes | | Cook Time | 45–50 minutes | | Total Time | 1 hour 5–10 minutes |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add bell pepper and leek, cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Add ground meat, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in grated mozzarella until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
🥗 Serving Suggestions & Cooking Tips
- Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pairs well with steamed vegetables or fruit salad.
- Use penne, fusilli, or macaroni – any pasta works!
- Add Italian herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
- Make sure pasta is al dente – it will continue cooking in the oven.
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