Cheesy Bolognese Pasta Bake
Serves 4
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/3 cup tomato paste
375g beef mince
400g can chopped Roma tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
250g macaroni pasta
Cheese Sauce:
100g butter, chopped
1/2 cup plain flour
2 1/4 cups milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup grated tasty cheese
1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a 5cm deep, 17cm x 26cm (base) 8-cup capacity ovenproof baking dish.
2. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes. Add paste and cook for 1 minute. Add mince and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cinnamon, cumin and salt and pepper. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta following packet directions. Drain. Combine pasta and mince mixture and spoon into dish.
4. Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in milk. Return to heat. Cook while stirring for 8 minutes or until sauce comes to the boil. Cool for 10 minutes. Stir in egg and cheese. Spoon over mince mixture.
5. Bake pasta bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until golden and hot. Serve with salad.