Baked Pasta with minced meat and cheese
Baked pasta with minced meat and cheese is one of the most loved comfort foods. It is warm, creamy, and full of flavour. This dish combines tender pasta, rich tomato-based minced meat sauce, and a golden layer of melted cheese. It is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy meal at home. The best part is that it is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
There are many reasons to fall in love with baked pasta. First, it is filling and satisfying. Second, it is versatile—you can use different kinds of pasta, meat, or cheese to suit your taste. Third, it is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it earlier in the day, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving. It also makes delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.
The Perfect Balance of Flavours
The key to a good baked pasta lies in the balance of flavours. The minced meat adds richness, while the tomato sauce brings freshness and tanginess. Adding paprika and spices gives a gentle kick, and the creamy crème fraîche makes the sauce smooth and comforting. Topping it all with mozzarella and cheddar cheese creates a gooey, golden crust that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients That Make It Special
This baked pasta uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Pasta, minced meat, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and cheese are the basics. Fresh cream or crème fraîche makes the sauce velvety, while cherry tomatoes and red capsicum add sweetness and colour. A touch of paprika powder and chili flakes adds depth and spice. This combination creates a rich and wholesome dish.
Easy to Customize
One of the best things about baked pasta is how easy it is to customize. You can use beef, chicken, lamb, or even turkey for the minced meat. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils, beans, or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. The cheese can also be changed depending on what you like—mozzarella for stretchiness, cheddar for sharpness, or Parmesan for extra flavour. You can even make it spicier with jalapeño cheese or chilli flakes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Baked pasta with minced meat and cheese is a dish that suits every occasion. It is perfect for busy weeknights because it is simple to make and can feed the whole family. It is also great for parties and potlucks since you can prepare it in large batches. Serve it with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables, and you have a complete meal that will impress your guests.
Food has the power to bring people together, and this baked pasta does exactly that. Its aroma fills the kitchen, and the golden, bubbly cheese makes it irresistible. Whether you are cooking for your family, friends, or yourself, this dish will always deliver comfort and joy.
Baked Pasta with minced meat and cheese
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta penne rigate
- 7-10 cherry tomatoes
- 150-250 g cheese of your choice I used a combination of cheddar and mozzarella, mixed Jalapeno and chilli
Meat sauce
- 1-2 tbsps butter or oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 500 g minced meat meat of your choice
- 1 tbsp tomatpuree
- 400 g crushed tomatoes
- 1 red capsicum
- 200 g fresh cream/creme fraiche
- 2 tsps paprika powder
- Salt and pepper
- Chilli flakes optional
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne rigate and cook until al dente (a couple of minutes less than package instructions, since it will bake later).
- Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce
- Heat 1–2 tbsp butter or oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened.
- Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in 1 tbsp tomato purée and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes and the diced red capsicum.
- Season with paprika powder, salt and pepper
- Let the sauce simmer on low for about 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the fresh cream or crème fraîche.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine pasta and sauce
- Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce until well coated.
Assemble and bake
- Preheat oven to 200°C.
- Lightly grease a baking dish. Pour in the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Top with halved cherry tomatoes.
- Sprinkle generously with the cheese of your choice.
- Sprinkle chilli flakes on the top for extra heat. However, this step is optional.
- Note: I used mixed cheese with jalapenos and chilli, so I skipped the above step.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm with a side salad or garlic bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! While penne or rigatoni works best because they hold the sauce well, you can use fusilli, macaroni, or any short pasta you have on hand.
Yes, the pasta should be cooked until just al dente, since it will continue to cook in the oven with the sauce.
Mozzarella gives a gooey melt, cheddar adds sharpness, and mixing in spicy cheeses like jalapeño or chili cheese adds extra flavour. You can also use Parmesan for a crispy top.
Absolutely! Assemble the pasta and sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add cheese just before baking.
Yes. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Swap the minced meat for plant-based mince, lentils, or extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this cheesy pasta bake.
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