Description
A comforting and hearty Bolognese bake featuring lean minced beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, layered with penne pasta and creamy Parmesan-infused crème fraîche, then grilled to golden perfection. Perfect for a satisfying family meal served alongside fresh salad and garlic bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 400g lean minced beef
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 tbsp dried mixed Italian herbs
- 690ml jar passata with onions and garlic
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
Pasta and Topping
- 350g penne pasta
- 200ml tub half-fat crème fraîche
- 25g Parmesan, grated
To Serve
- Garlic bread
- Salad
Instructions
- Brown the Mince: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the lean minced beef and cook, stirring, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the crushed garlic cloves, caster sugar, and dried mixed Italian herbs. Cook for 1 more minute to release the aromas and blend the flavors.
- Simmer with Passata: Pour the jar of passata with onions and garlic over the minced beef. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently while you cook the pasta, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Prepare the Parmesan Crème Topping: In a small bowl, combine the half-fat crème fraîche and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bake: Spoon half of the meat sauce into an ovenproof dish to create the first layer. In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining meat sauce with the cooked penne pasta, then spread this mixture evenly over the meat layer in the dish.
- Add the Topping and Grill: Drizzle the Parmesan crème mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Place the dish under a preheated grill set to high and grill for 5-7 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately with fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the minced beef is lean to reduce excess fat during cooking.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- For a richer dish, use full-fat crème fraîche instead of half-fat.
- Keep an eye on the bake while grilling to avoid burning the topping.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Bolognese bake, baked pasta, Italian dinner, minced beef recipe, creamy pasta bake, family meal, quick comfort food
