Bolognese Pasta Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Bolognese Pasta Bake, a hearty dish that's perfect for cozy family dinners or easy meal prep. Featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, flavorful Bolognese sauce made with ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a medley of veggies like onion, carrot, and celery, this dish is elevated by layers of gooey melted mozzarella and nutty parmesan cheese. The combination of dried thyme, oregano, and a touch of beef broth adds depth and warmth, while the golden, cheesy topping creates the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just an hour, this baked pasta recipe is easy to prepare and a surefire crowd-pleaser. Serve it straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 grams ground beef
• 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 250 milliliters beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 300 grams pasta (e.g., penne or rigatoni)
• 150 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to ensure it remains slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the Bolognese sauce and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your Bolognese Pasta Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2097.2 grams (2097.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2742

Total Fat 180.60g	232%
Saturated Fat 72.50g	363%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.10g
Cholesterol 508mg	169%
Sodium 6186mg	269%
Total Carbohydrate 125.80g	46%
Dietary Fiber 20.20g	72%
Total Sugars 31.40g
Protein 162.80g	326%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1994mg	153%
Iron 17mg	97%
Potassium 3612mg	77%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.5%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 18.1%