Savory Pasta and Meat Bake
Ingredients:
- 500g pasta
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 raw sweet red pepper, finely chopped
- 600g minced meat
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 leek stalk, finely chopped
- 40g butter
- 20g flour
- 500ml milk
- 100g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Some vegetable oil
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
Finely chop the onion, garlic, sweet red pepper, tomatoes, and leek.
3. Cook the Minced Meat:
Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add the minced meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the sweet red pepper, tomatoes, and leek. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture. Mix well. Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta and meat, ensuring it is evenly coated. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
7. Serve:
Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious pasta and meat bake!
