Creating a delicious Paccheri pasta casserole with Bolognese sauce is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
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500g Paccheri pasta
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500g ground beef
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 carrot, diced
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1 celery stalk, diced
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800g canned crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 cup beef broth
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1/2 cup red wine (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Olive oil
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
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Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Add the dried oregano, and dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavours will meld.
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Cook the Paccheri Pasta:
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While the sauce is simmering, cook the Paccheri pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Assemble the Casserole:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cooked Paccheri pasta over the sauce in an even layer.
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Pour the remaining Bolognese sauce over the pasta, ensuring it is well-coated.
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Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Bake:
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Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Serve:
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Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
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Related
Paccheri Pasta In Bolognese Sauce
Ingredients
- 500g Paccheri pasta
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 800g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Add the dried oregano, and dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavours will meld.
Cook the Paccheri Pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the Paccheri pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cooked Paccheri pasta over the sauce in an even layer.
- Pour the remaining Bolognese sauce over the pasta, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.