Cheesy Mince Pasta
My kids simply love any mince meat with pasta. Today I treated them to another of their favorites, this Cheesy Mince Pasta.
Cheesy Mince Pasta
They were in heaven. It’s full of flavor with the creaminess from the bechamel sauce and topped with ooey gooey cheese.
My hubby and I don’t eat red meat so we unfortunately can’t help them eat it. Looked so good though I almost wanted to eat it…haha!
I make my pasta with mince in many different ways. Sometimes I even forget to write down the recipe.
However, when I did eat meat this one was my favorite. Maybe I will make it with chicken mince soon.
Ingredients required
For this dish I used lamb mince, onion, garlic, dried herbs, spices, Passata, lamb or mutton stock, béchamel sauce and cheese
I try to keep it as basic as can be so everyone can enjoy it, without having to rush to the shops to buy unusual ingredients.
How to make the pasta
As you all know I am a lazy cook so if I can make everything in one pot that suits me fine. It’s what I tried to do with this dish.
Apart from the bechamel sauce everything was made in one pot. If you use store bought sauce all the better.
I cook my mince meat, the longer it simmers the better. I cooked it for 30 minutes but if guy have time add a little water if gets dry and cook for longer.
The slow cooking makes all the difference to the sauce.
Then I add my stock, pasta and water. That takes about 15 minutes. Sprinkle cheese, pop in the oven and we are done.
Bechamel Sauce/White sauce
I did make my own sauce for this dish, however you can use a store bought sauce should you wish.
For the sauce you will need butter, cake wheat flour and milk.
The trick to getting a smooth sauce is a whisk. Even if your sauce gets a lumpy a whisk always saves the day.
More recipes to try:
Mouthwatering Creamy Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta
Cheesy Mince Pasta
Ingredients
- 500 gram lamb mince
- 1 onion finely, diced
- 4 large cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon dried italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups tomato passata see Note 1
- 2 cups dry pasta
- 1 cup lamb or mutton stock see Note 4
- 3-4 cups warm water
- 2 cups grated mozarella cheese
Bechamel Sauce (see note 2)
- 125 gram/1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup/125ml cake wheat or all purpose flour
- 2-3 cups milk
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pan and brown the mince on medium to high heat
- Add the garlic, onion, Italian herbs, oregano, paprika and chilli powder and allow it to saute until the onion is translucent
- Add the tomato passata and some pepper. Simmer on a low heat for about 20-30 minutes
- Add the lamb stock, pasta and 3 cups water. If the pasta starts to dry then only add the other cup of water, you may not require all or use it at all. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until the pasta is cooked, al dente. Should take between 12-15 minutes
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta. Give it a little swirl. Sprinkle the cheese on top and pop it under the grill function in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. You can sprinkle a little paprika on top of the cheese for some added colour
- Garnish with some parsley and serve
Bechamel Sauce
- Heat the butter in a saucepan, over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Stir until flour turns into a paste, this is called a roux. It will turn a light, golden colour, about 5 minutes
- Turn up the heat to medium-high and slowly whisk in the milk. Use 2 cups of the milk and if you feel it's far too thick then add the third cup or a part of it. As you whisk it will start to thicken.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce to a low heat and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper
Notes
- Passata is an Italian tomato sauce found in most major supermarkets or sometimes called a tomato puree, however it is not the thick canned puree. This comes in a long glass bottle. If you struggle to find some you can use canned tomatoes. Blend before adding and if too acidic add a little sugar to the dish
- I love adding extra white sauce to this dish, however if you feel it's too much you can reduce it by half
- The cheese can also be reduced if it's too much
- You can find lamb stock at Woolworths or you can use the mutton stock cubes mixed in a cup of warm water or you can crumble the stock cube and add it straight to the pot. Adjust the water accordingly
Absolutely delicious! Made this twice already . It’s rich and creamy – like a lasagne. Shared with family members who said it was better than a restaurants pasta! Thanks so much for sharing this ????
This was the most delicious pasta dish I have ever made – my family requested it again for dinner twice this week – thank you for this amazing recipe ????????????