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    Home » Pasta

    Minced beef pasta bake

    Posted: Oct 14, 2019 · Updated: Feb 16, 2022 by Tonje

    6301 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Pasta bake is always a crowd pleaser, and this one is no exception. Always a hit with the kids, and a fantastic way to sneak in some hidden vegetables, this minced beef pasta bake is a tried and true family favorite that deserves a spot on your weeknight dinner plan.

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    Ingredients for a beef pasta bake.

    How to make minced beef pasta bake

    Boil the pasta in a pot according to package instructions. When it finishes, drain off the water, and add it to a casserole dish. Set the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan oven / 400°F. While you wait for the pasta to cook, you can get started on the mince sauce.

    Finely dice celery, onion, carrot and garlic cloves. You want them to be in really small pieces to avoid large vegetable chunks in the pasta bake. Heat some oil, butter or one calorie cooking spray in a pot or a very large frying pan. Add the diced onion, and saute until it goes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, and saute for another minute.

    Then, add the minced beef to brown. When about half of it has browned, add the dried herbs and stir to incorporate it with the meat. This helps the meat absorb more of the flavor. Stir in tomato puree, and add the chopped tomatoes after the meat has finishes cooking. Add carrots and celery, and cover with the lid. Cook until the vegetables has softened, about 10 minutes. Next, move the meat sauce to the casserole dish with the pasta, and stir to combine.

    Top the pasta with grated cheese, and place it in the oven to bake for about 20-30 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the pasta bake is golden on the top.

    Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

    Minced beef pasta bake with a plated portion in front.

    Tips for a great result

    • You can use any grated cheese. I love mozzarella with my pasta dishes, but any meltable cheese will work. Parmesan and cheddar are also popular options.
    • I like to use lean minced beef to save on calories and remove some grease. You can use a higher fat mince, but that will increase the calorie count.
    • Make sure to brown the meat completely before moving it to the casserole dish.
    • If you have any leftover vegetables in the fridge, you can finely dice them and add to the meat at the same time as adding the carrots and celery. Leftover courgette, broccoli and tomatoes would be a lovely addition.
    • You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
    Infographic showing step by step how to make the pasta bake.

    What to serve with your pasta bake

    I always serve vegetable side dishes with my pasta bakes. Oven roasted green beans are excellent, and so are this tomato and cucumber salad, or roasted courgette and halloumi salad for a heavier option. A simple green salad is also great, and garlic bread is a given with any pasta dish at our house.

    Minced beef pasta bake in a casserole dish on a marble table.

    Other kid friendly pasta dishes

    • Creamy fajita pasta with chicken
    • Salmon and creme fraiche pasta
    • Pasta with broccoli and chicken
    • Chicken and chorizo pasta
    • Cod pasta bake

    Recipe

    Beef pasta bake in a casserole dish with a plated portion on the side, on a marble table.

    Minced beef pasta bake

    Pasta bake is always a crowd pleaser, and this one is no exception. Always a hit with the kids, and a fantastic way to sneak in some hidden vegetables, this minced beef pasta bake is a tried and true family favorite that deserves a spot on your weeknight dinner plan.
    4.72 from 67 votes
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine International
    Servings 6
    Calories 337 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 300 g pasta
    • 500 g minced beef
    • 1 carrot
    • 1 celery stick
    • 3 tablespoon tomato puree or tomato paste
    • 400 ml tinned chopped tomatoes
    • ½ red onion
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon dried fennel
    • 100 g grated cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain off the water, and set to the side. Meanwhile, you can start the beef sauce.
    • Set the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan oven / 400°F
    • Finely dice celery, onion, carrot and garlic cloves. You want to chop them into really small pieces.
    • Heat some oil in a pot or very large frying pan. Add diced onion, and saute until it has softened and turned translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for another minute.
    • Add the minced beef and cook until the meat has almost browned. Then, add basil, thyme, oregano and fennel, and cook until the meat has completely cooked.
    • Stir in the tomato puree, then add the chopped tomatoes, carrots and celery, and cook until the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes.
    • Add the beef sauce and pasta to a oven dish, and stir to combine thoroughly. Top with grated cheese, and place it in the oven. Bake until the cheese has melted, and the top is golden browned, about 20-30 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and serve!

    Notes

    • You can use any grated cheese. I love mozzarella with my pasta dishes, but any meltable cheese will work. Parmesan and cheddar are also popular options.
    • I like to use lean minced beef to save on calories and remove some grease. You can use a higher fat mince, but that will increase the calorie count.
    • Make sure to brown the meat completely before moving it to the casserole dish.
    • If you have any leftover vegetables in the fridge, you can finely dice them and add to the meat at the same time as adding the carrots and celery. Leftover courgette, broccoli and tomatoes would be a lovely addition.
    • You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
    • The calorie estimate is based on one regular serving. I recommend serving a vegetable side dish with this meal, which would have to be added to the total calorie count. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 337kcal
    Keyword carrots, celery, minced beef, pasta
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!
    Minced beef pasta bake Pinterest icon.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Krissy Allori

      December 28, 2019 at 10:56 pm

      5 stars
      This was a great dish. My whole family loved it. I also loved all the great pictures and how you laid everything out in the post!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        December 29, 2019 at 8:09 am

        Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

        Reply
    2. Andrea Metlika

      December 28, 2019 at 11:27 pm

      5 stars
      Such a comforting and delicious looking pasta dish.

      Reply
      • Tonje

        December 29, 2019 at 8:09 am

        It definitely is. Let me know if you try it! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Laura

      December 28, 2019 at 11:39 pm

      5 stars
      I like how you mention hiding veggies into this pasta bake. Great recipe to keep handy for a number of different reasons, and that is just one of them.

      Reply
      • Tonje

        December 29, 2019 at 8:10 am

        I hide veggies in everything! A great way to eat a little healthier 😉

        Reply
      • Shirley Ganesan

        September 13, 2023 at 5:27 am

        Came out awesome, added a little masala to it for a more Indian flavor, kids loved it. Thank you for a great recipe.

        Reply
    4. Tawnie Kroll

      December 29, 2019 at 12:00 am

      5 stars
      This was so good we will be adding it to our menu rotation! I served it with a green salad and everyone loved it -thank you!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        December 29, 2019 at 8:10 am

        So happy you liked it! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Anita

      December 29, 2019 at 12:55 am

      5 stars
      That's one great comfort food right there. I can totally picture my family devour the whole thing if I make this for dinner. 🙂

      Reply
      • Tonje

        December 29, 2019 at 8:10 am

        I'm sure they will - mine did!

        Reply
    6. Ryan McInerney

      January 15, 2020 at 6:42 pm

      5 stars
      Came across this tonight and we decided to try it! Needless to say the kids, my partner and I loved it! New family pasta night fave!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        January 15, 2020 at 8:01 pm

        That's amazing, Ryan! Thank you for your comment! 🙂

        Reply
    7. David

      July 25, 2020 at 3:20 am

      I'm 71 and on my own now, I have just made your & tasted your mince pasta bake. I have to say, it was bloody great.
      in these trying times it's nice to be able to try new things and take your mind off things.
      Thanks for your help & time

      David L

      Reply
      • Tonje

        July 25, 2020 at 5:10 am

        Thank you so much for your lovely comment, David, I'm really happy you enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
    8. Sandra

      August 21, 2020 at 2:03 am

      My family loved this hearty meal. Great for dinner on a very cold, wet day in south east Australia! The fennel gives it that extra yumminess too. 👍Sandra

      Reply
      • Tonje

        August 21, 2020 at 5:12 am

        That's excellent, Sandra! I'm glad you all liked it, appreciate the feedback!

        Reply
      • Jeff

        March 10, 2023 at 3:08 pm

        Is the pasta 300g dried or cooked?

        Reply
        • Tonje

          March 17, 2023 at 8:11 am

          Hi Jeff. Use 300 g dried pasta!

          Reply
    9. Rhodium 60

      November 02, 2020 at 6:41 pm

      5 stars
      Tasted delicious. Halved the ingredients as cooking for two, was enough left over for two more portions. Served with peas but would have been better with salad as suggested. Will be cooking again - and be looking for dried fennel which I didn't have. Thankyou!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        November 03, 2020 at 9:29 am

        Thank you for your lovely comment, I'm glad you liked it!

        Reply
    10. Katie

      February 07, 2021 at 4:47 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing this recipe. It was really easy to make, and tasted great. I love the added vegetables, will be making it again for sure.

      Reply
    11. james

      March 23, 2021 at 10:41 pm

      5 stars
      This is a simple yet quality recipe. I tried it last night and have to say everyone loved it.Thanks!!!

      Reply
    12. Josh

      January 16, 2023 at 4:19 am

      5 stars
      How long dose it it last in the fridge make some up for. Work .please. Josh

      Reply
      • Tonje

        February 09, 2023 at 8:38 pm

        Hi Josh! This should be good for about 4 days in the fridge.

        Reply
    13. Sheila

      January 30, 2023 at 3:31 pm

      4 stars
      Easy to make, very tasty and freezes well

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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