Pasta bakes are beloved for their simplicity and versatility, making them a go-to choice for busy weeknights. They offer a smart way to use leftover ingredients while welcoming endless variations in sauces and pasta types.
One British classic that never goes out of style is bolognese. Mary Berry has given this familiar favourite a delicious makeover with her easy-to-make bolognese pasta bake. Featured on her show ‘Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts,’ this recipe combines rich flavours with a crispy, golden topping, creating an ideal meal for relaxing evenings.
Mary Berry shares, “It’s crispy brown on top, and underneath it will be soft with the sauce… I can’t think of anything I’ll enjoy more with family on a weekday than this wonderful pasta bake.”
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To prepare this comforting dish, you will need a deep frying pan or saucepan, a covered pan for mushrooms, and a large shallow ovenproof dish.
The recipe starts with heating oil in a deep frying pan, sautéing onions and celery until tender. Brown the minced meat, breaking it up to ensure even cooking. Garlic and tomato purée are stirred in next, followed by Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, and a touch of redcurrant jelly for subtle sweetness.
Beef stock is added, the sauce seasoned with salt and pepper, then simmered gently for about 30 minutes to develop depth of flavour.
Mushrooms are cooked separately in butter with thyme, then combined with the bolognese sauce. Meanwhile, pasta is boiled until tender, drained, rinsed, and folded into the sauce mixture.
Finally, assemble the pasta and sauce in a large ovenproof dish, cover it generously with cheese, and bake at 200°C for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Serve immediately for a heartwarming, delicious meal that the whole family will love.