The Best Stuffed Pasta Bake Bolognese

Best Stuffed Pasta Bake Bolognese

There’s something truly comforting about a pasta bake, and when it’s stuffed and topped with a rich Bolognese sauce, it transforms into a dish that’s heartwarming and satisfying. This recipe brings together the earthy flavors of classic Bolognese with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a stuffed pasta bake, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 500g ground beef
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 250g ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Cooking Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the Pasta Shells: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
4. Add the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
5. Simmer with Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Add oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Stuff the Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the ricotta mixture.
8. Assemble the Bake: Pour a layer of Bolognese sauce into a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells on top, then cover with the remaining Bolognese sauce.
9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
11. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutritional Value

This stuffed pasta bake Bolognese is a balanced meal, providing a good mix of protein from the beef and cheese, carbohydrates from the pasta, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The beef supplies iron and vitamin B12, while the cheese offers calcium essential for bone health. This dish is indulgent yet nourishing, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Best Side Dishes and Pairings

To complement the rich flavors of the pasta bake, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. For a refreshing beverage, a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp sparkling water with lemon can be delightful. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, try a chilled iced tea or a lightly flavored sparkling drink.

This Best Stuffed Pasta Bake Bolognese promises to be a hit at your dinner table, combining comforting flavors with nutritious ingredients for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy!