A pasta bake never fails to satisfy. And this Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend dinner for the family
Ingredients
- 500 g beef mince
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup basil leaves, chopped, plus extra leaves to serve
- 1 lemon, finely grated zest, 2 tbsps juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 x 400 g cans diced tomatoes
- ½ cup beef stock or water
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 500 g penne pasta
- 1 cup tasty cheese, grated
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Steps
Preheat oven to moderate, 180 C.
In a large bowl, combine mince, breadcrumbs, onion, basil, lemon zest and juice. Season to taste. Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls.
In a large frying pan, heat oil on high. Fry meatballs 3 to 4 mins, turning, until browned all over. Stir in tomatoes, stock, paste and garlic. Bring to boil. Simmer for about 4 to 5 mins, until sauce thickens slightly.
Meanwhile, cook pasta following packet instructions. Drain well. Return to pan with sauce and meatball mixture.
Spoon into a 4-litre casserole dish. Sprinkle over combined cheeses.
Bake 25 to 30 mins until golden and bubbling. Sprinkle with extra basil to serve. Accompany with a salad, if you like.
Photo: Bauers/John Paul Urizar