Go Back
+ servings
Beef pasta bake in a casserole dish with a plated portion on the side, on a marble table.
Print Recipe
4.77 from 51 votes

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.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: International
Keyword: carrots, celery, minced beef, pasta
Servings: 6
Calories: 337kcal
Author: Tonje
Cost: Cheap

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