Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 250g (8.8 oz) large pasta sheets 250g (8.8 oz) large pasta sheets
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
• 50g (1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated 50g (1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, cook the pasta sheets according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Place a layer of pasta sheets on top, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of meat sauce.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Maltese-inspired dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Large pasta sheets — If you can't find large pasta sheets, you can use lasagna noodles and break them into smaller pieces to fit the baking dish.
• Mozzarella cheese — For a more authentic touch, use fresh mozzarella instead of grated mozzarella. Simply slice the fresh mozzarella and arrange it on top of the dish before baking.

Tips & Tricks

• To add extra flavor to the meat sauce, you can incorporate a splash of red wine while simmering.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Serve the Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and additional aroma. Accompany the dish with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread rolls to mop up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

When serving, use a spatula to carefully portion out individual servings, ensuring each plate has a generous amount of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese. The golden crust on top should be visible, enticing diners with its crispy texture. Serve on warm plates to keep the dish hot throughout the meal.