Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’ve hit the jackpot with my creamy beef mince and tomato pasta bake. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen because it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce is just irresistible! Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, which means less time cleaning up afterward—yay! I love how this dish brings everyone together around the table, and trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be making it on repeat. Let’s dive into those ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients for Creamy Beef Mince and Tomato Pasta Bake
- 300g beef mince
- 200g pasta (any shape you love!)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 200ml cream for that irresistible richness
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated cheese (I like cheddar, but use your favorite!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
How to Prepare Creamy Beef Mince and Tomato Pasta Bake
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part—making this dreamy creamy beef mince and tomato pasta bake! I promise, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll guide you through every step.
Preheat and Cook Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is super important because it means your bake will cook evenly when it’s time to pop it in. While that’s heating up, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this means it should still have a little bite to it. Drain it well and set it aside. Trust me, you don’t want any excess water in your bake!
Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large pan, heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté them until the onions are soft and translucent. This step is key because it releases those delicious flavors that will make your dish sing! You should be able to smell that lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen—yum!
Brown the Beef Mince
Next, add the beef mince to the pan. Use a wooden spoon (or whatever you have handy) to break it apart as it cooks. You want it nicely browned all over, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Browning is crucial because it adds depth to the flavor of your dish. Just keep stirring and don’t let it clump up too much!
Create the Creamy Sauce
Once your beef is browned, it’s time to stir in the diced tomatoes and cream. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper—feel free to adjust this to your taste! Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens, and the flavors meld together into a rich, creamy sauce. You’ll definitely want to taste it and see if it needs a little extra seasoning!
Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture
Now, add your drained pasta to the beef mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. This is the moment where everything comes together, and it’s so satisfying to see!
Bake and Enjoy
Transfer your pasta mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle that grated cheese generously on top. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary! Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This waiting time helps to set everything a bit and makes serving much easier. Get ready for some happy faces around the table!
Tips for Success with Creamy Beef Mince and Tomato Pasta Bake
To make sure your creamy beef mince and tomato pasta bake turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the beef. It’s tempting, but giving it the right amount of time really enhances the flavor. Also, remember to drain the pasta well—excess water can make your dish soggy, and we definitely don’t want that!
If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, feel free to toss in some vegetables like chopped bell peppers or spinach when you sauté the onions and garlic. And lastly, let your bake cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps everything set nicely. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your pasta bake from good to absolutely fantastic!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of my creamy beef mince and tomato pasta bake. Each serving contains about 450 calories, with 25g of fat (including 10g of saturated fat), 40g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein. It’s a satisfying, hearty dish that offers a nice balance of flavors and nutrients! Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQ about Creamy Beef Mince and Tomato Pasta Bake
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you love—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti works just fine. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check the package instructions. The key is to cook it al dente, so it holds up well in the bake!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can easily swap out the beef mince for plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or even crumbled tofu. Just sauté them in the same way you would the beef, and they’ll soak up all those delicious flavors. You could also add more veggies, like zucchini or eggplant, to make it even heartier!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this creamy beef mince and tomato pasta bake ahead of time! Just follow the recipe up until the baking step, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for those busy days!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple and quick to prepare, perfect for beginners!
- One-dish meal means less cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Rich and creamy flavor that comforts the soul.
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or cheese!
- Great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge.
- Crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
pasta recipes are a great way to explore different flavors and textures.
Creamy Beef Mince and Tomato Pasta Bake Made Easy for You
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and delicious creamy beef mince and tomato pasta bake that is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 300g beef mince
- 200g pasta
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 200ml cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are soft.
- Add beef mince to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pasta well to avoid excess water.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
- Use any cheese you prefer for topping.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a quick meal later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy beef mince and tomato pasta bake, easy pasta bake, beef bake recipe
