Easy Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake With Minced Beef Recipe That Wows

Jamie Oliver’s signature pasta bake transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Hearty minced beef blends seamlessly with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a robust and flavorful meal that speaks to home cooking’s soul.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe rises to the challenge with its rich, layered flavors.

Nutritious vegetables mingle with succulent meat, promising a balanced and delightful dining experience.

Bold seasonings elevate the dish from simple to spectacular, making every bite a celebration of home-style cooking.

Cheese melts into golden, crispy perfection, adding a luxurious texture that makes you crave each forkful.

Families gather around the table, drawn by the irresistible aroma and promise of a truly memorable meal: get ready to impress.

Why Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Bake with Minced Beef Is So Satisfying

• Elevate Comfort Food: This pasta bake transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite home cook. Layers of tender pasta, rich beef sauce, and melted cheese create a deliciously comforting dish that everyone will love.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, this recipe saves precious time without sacrificing flavor. Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps make it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this pasta bake sneaks extra nutrition into a crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of herbs and fresh ingredients adds depth of flavor while providing a balanced, wholesome meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: The recipe offers flexibility for personal touches – swap herbs, try different cheeses, or add extra vegetables to make it your own. This adaptable dish welcomes creativity, making it a go-to recipe that never gets boring.

Ingredients List for Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Bake with Minced Beef

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding hearty sauce, choose good quality dried pasta for best texture.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides rich meaty flavor, choose 90% lean for healthier option.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery: Classic veggie blend that creates deep flavor base, fresh vegetables give best taste and nutrition.

• Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Fennel: Mediterranean herb mix that adds complex depth to meat sauce, dried herbs work well.

• Tomato Paste, Chopped Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy sauce foundation, use good quality canned tomatoes for consistent flavor.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy, golden brown finish to pasta bake, choose melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking, extra virgin provides best flavor.

How to Whip Up Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Bake with Minced Beef

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Boil penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain water and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Oven

Preheat oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / 400°F.

Step 3: Chop Vegetables

• Celery stalk
• Onion
• Carrot
• Garlic cloves

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in a large pan. Add onions and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 5: Brown Beef

• Basil
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Fennel

Continue cooking until beef is completely browned.

Step 6: Create Sauce

• Chopped tomatoes
• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery

Simmer until vegetables soften (approximately 10 minutes).

Step 7: Assemble Pasta Bake

Transfer beef sauce and pasta to a baking dish. Mix thoroughly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until cheese melts and top turns golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and serve immediately. Bon appétit!

Helpful Tips for a Scrumptious Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake

• Maximize Veggie Variety: Raid your refrigerator for any leftover vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or tomatoes. Chop them finely and mix into the beef for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Select Smart Protein: Choose lean ground beef to keep calories in check. Fattier cuts work too, but they'll bump up the calorie count significantly.
• Cheese It Up: Grab your favorite shredded cheese – mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar will transform this dish from good to amazing.
• Cook Beef Completely: Brown the meat thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains. This step guarantees food safety and develops rich, deep flavors.
• Pasta Portion Puzzle: Use an online dry-to-cooked pasta calculator to nail the perfect pasta quantity every single time.

Preserving Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Bake with Minced Beef

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for your pasta bake. Remove excess air that causes rapid deterioration, preserving flavors and preventing freezer burn. Divide portions into meal-sized containers before sealing, making future reheating simple and convenient.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled pasta bake into clear glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents odor absorption and allows easy temperature monitoring. Stack containers efficiently in refrigerator, maximizing space while keeping meal perfectly preserved.
• Portioning Strategy: Separate leftover pasta bake into individual serving sizes immediately after cooling. Use small airtight containers or silicon freezer bags for quick grab-and-go meals. Label each container with date and contents to track freshness and prevent food waste.

Yummy Variations on Jamie Oliver’s Beefy Pasta Bake

• Spicy Southwest Pasta Blast: Replace herbs with cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Add bell peppers and jalapeños for extra heat. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of regular shredded cheese.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap beef with ground lamb. Include pine nuts and swap tomato paste for sundried tomato paste. Sprinkle feta cheese on top and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Comfort: Replace ground beef with mixed mushrooms like portobello and shiitake. Add lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of meat. Incorporate spinach for extra nutrition and top with mozzarella cheese.
• Creamy Herb Chicken Transformation: Use ground chicken instead of beef. Add cream cheese to sauce for richness. Include fresh rosemary and sage. Top with parmesan and breadcrumbs for a crispy layer.

Concluding Insights on Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Bake with Minced Beef

Pasta bake magic emerges from Jamie Oliver’s kitchen, blending Italian inspirations with hearty comfort.

Rich layers of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese create culinary poetry on each plate.

Mediterranean flavors dance through carefully selected ingredients, transforming simple components into extraordinary meals.

Home chefs can easily master this classic recipe with straightforward techniques and minimal preparation time.

Authentic taste meets convenience in this delightful one-dish wonder that promises satisfaction for family dinners.

Grab your recipe, head to the kitchen, and let passion guide your cooking adventure – click share, leave a comment, spread deliciousness with fellow cooking enthusiasts!

Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake With Minced Beef Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s hearty pasta bake brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Robust ground beef mingles with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal that promises warmth and flavor in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 500 g (17.6 oz) minced beef

Pasta:

• 300 g (10.6 oz) penne pasta

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stick
• ½ red onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried fennel

Tomato Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons tomato puree or tomato paste
• 400 ml (13.5 fl oz) tinned chopped tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions, ensuring it reaches al dente consistency. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Calibrate the oven temperature to 200°C / 180°C fan / 400°F for optimal baking conditions.
3. Meticulously dice the celery, onion, carrot, and garlic into uniform, small pieces to promote even cooking and flavor distribution.
4. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté the onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness.
5. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 60 seconds, allowing the aromatics to bloom and intensify.
6. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, browning thoroughly while breaking down any large clusters. Sprinkle dried herbs – basil, thyme, oregano, and fennel – to infuse the meat with robust Mediterranean flavors.
7. Stir in tomato paste, creating a rich base, then add chopped tomatoes, carrots, and celery. Simmer the mixture until vegetables become tender and sauce thickens, roughly 10-12 minutes.
8. Transfer the hearty beef sauce to the bowl with cooked pasta, gently folding to ensure complete integration of ingredients.
9. Migrate the combined mixture into a prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Generously crown the surface with shredded cheese for maximum coverage.
10. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, appetizing crust, approximately 20-25 minutes.
11. Remove from oven, allow to rest for 5 minutes, then serve immediately while piping hot and gloriously aromatic.

Notes

• Customize your cheese selection with mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar for a delicious melty topping.
• Mix in extra vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or tomatoes to boost nutrition and use up refrigerator leftovers.
• Select lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier, though fattier options work if you prefer more flavor.
• Cook ground beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains before transferring to the baking dish for the final preparation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg