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5 from 2 votes

Cheesy Mince Pasta

This pasta is so full-flavoured and delicious, it's pure comfort in a bowl
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: cheesy mince pasta, easy dinner recipes, easy pasta recipe, meaty pasta sauce
Servings: 4

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

  1. 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
  2. I love adding extra white sauce to this dish, however if you feel it's too much you can reduce it by half 
  3. The cheese can also be reduced if it's too much
  4. 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