Rich, Flavourful Bolognese Pasta Bake With A Crispy Cheese Top

Combine your love for bolognese and pasta bakes in this tasty lasagne, which boasts a crisp cheese exterior that gives way to rich, flavourful layers brought by mince, cheese, tomato and more. You'll want to add this to your pasta recipe collection.

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Difficulty Level: 2/5

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
• 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 clove garlic, crushed
• 500 g beef mince
• ½ cup tomato paste
• 700 g bottle passata
• 250 g large spiral pasta
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1⅓ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• Rocket salad, to serve

Steps

01. Preheat oven to 220 C (200 C fan-forced). Grease and line a 22 cm (base measurement) round springform pan with baking paper.

02. Heat oil in a large saucepan over moderately high heat. Add onion. garlic and mince; cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up lumps, for 5 mins or until mince is browned.

03. Add tomato paste; cook and stir for 2 mins. Add passata: simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 mins or until sauce is thick.

04. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 10-12 mins or until tender. Drain; return to pan.

05. Add egg, mince mixture and 1 cup of mozzarella to pasta. Season with salt and pepper; mix well.

06. Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using the back of a large spoon, press mixture firmly into pan and smooth surface. Top with tomato and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

07. Bake for 20-25 mins or until cheese is melted and golden. Stand in pan for 15 mins. Cut into wedges. Serve with salad.

Photo: bauersyndication.com.au