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Cheesy Bolognese pasta bake on a fork.

Cheesy Bolognese pasta bake

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AuthorMilena M
This is the perfect comfort dish to enjoy on a chilly day or evening. It will worm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Packed with flavor from the tomato meat sauce, melted stretchy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta.
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Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Servings6

Ingredients
  

  • 26 ml olive oil, 2 tablespoons
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 3-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 kg ground meat (port and beef mix), 2.2 pounds, 35 ounces
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt, for the sauce
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 325 grams Penne and Fusilli pasta, 11-12 ounces
  • 2 tablespoons salt, for the pasta water
  • 1 cup pasta water
  • 80 ml red wine, 1/3 cup
  • 540 grams tomato sauce, ~2 ½ cups
  • 10 grams chopped parsley, 1/3 cup
  • 330 grams grated mozzarella cheese, 2-3 cups

Instructions

  1. In a deep pan, heat the olive oil.
    26 ml olive oil
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook on medium to high heat until golden, about 5 minutes.
    1 cup chopped yellow onion
  3. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
    3-5 garlic cloves, minced
  4. Add the ground meat, then mix in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, and paprika. Cook on medium heat until the meat starts to turn brown, 2-3 minutes.
    2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 kg ground meat (port and beef mix), 2 teaspoons salt
  5. Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water (5-6 quarts), 2-3 inches below the rim. Boil the water, then add the pasta and 2 tablespoons of salt. Cook for half the time listed on the package. Drain the pasta, saving one cup of the water. Transfer the pasta to the baking dish and set aside.
    325 grams Penne and Fusilli pasta, 1 cup pasta water, 2 tablespoons salt
  6. Turn on the oven to 400F (200C).
  7. Add the wine and tomato sauce to the ground meat. Mix, lower the heat to low-medium, and cook for 5 more minutes.
    80 ml red wine, 540 grams tomato sauce
  8. Mix the chopped fresh parsley and pour the meat sauce over the pasta. Toss everything, making sure all the pasta is well coated with the meat sauce.
    10 grams chopped parsley
  9. Pour the pasta water all over the dish. Shake it carefully so the water is distributed evenly.
  10. Sprinkle the grated cheese all over the top. Bake in the middle rack for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and melty. Serve hot. Enjoy!
    330 grams grated mozzarella cheese