Description
A 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. Served with garlic bread and a fresh salad, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat 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 pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 350g penne
Cream Sauce
- 200ml tub half-fat crème fraîche
- 25g parmesan, grated
To Serve
- Garlic bread
- Salad
Instructions
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat your grill to high. In a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat, fry the lean minced beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the crushed garlic cloves, caster sugar, and dried mixed Italian herbs, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the passata with onions and garlic over the meat mixture, stir well, then season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently while you prepare the pasta, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the half-fat crème fraîche with the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Bake: Spoon half of the meat sauce into an ovenproof dish. Mix the remaining meat sauce with the cooked penne pasta and pour this mixture over the meat layer in the dish. Drizzle the Parmesan cream evenly on top.
- Grill to Finish: Place the ovenproof dish under the preheated grill and cook until the top is golden brown and bubbling, usually about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve hot with garlic bread and a fresh salad on the side.
Notes
- Use lean minced beef for a healthier option and less fat.
- If you prefer, substitute penne with rigatoni or fusilli for similar results.
- Keep an eye on the bake under the grill to prevent burning the cheese topping.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce during simmering.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then grill before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Bolognese, baked pasta, grilled pasta bake, Italian comfort food, creamy pasta bake
