Bolognese Pasta Bake

This is a really easy, cheap and tasty meal.

  Why not make double and freeze the leftovers for later?

Serves 6                              Preparation time 10 mins             Cook time 1 hour 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 1tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
  • 700g (1lb 9oz) minced beef or vege mince 
  • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
  • 2tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 2tbsp sun-dried tomato purée
  • 300g (10oz) penne pasta
  • 25g (1oz) butter
  • 25g (1oz) flour
  • 450ml (¾ pint) milk
  • 100g (4oz) Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Basil leaves, to garnish

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and fry onion and garlic for 8-10 mins until softened. Add mince and brown over a high heat. Stir in the tomatoes, herbs and purée. Season well. Simmer for 30 mins, stirring occasionally.
  2. Cook the pasta in a pan of lightly salted boiling water according to instructions, until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Heat butter in a large pan until melted then stir in the flour and cook for 1 min. Whisk in milk then bring to the boil, whisking all the time until the sauce has thickened. Simmer gently for 2 mins. Stir in half the Cheddar and season to taste. Stir in the pasta.
  4. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6). Spread meat sauce in a deep gratin dish. Top with the pasta and sauce. Sprinkle over rest of the Cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 mins until bubbling and golden.

ENJOY!