Description
Cheesy Bacon and Beef Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
250g fusilli pasta
300g ground beef
100g crispy bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
200ml heavy cream
150g shredded mozzarella cheese
50g grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cook fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour in heavy cream and mix well. Stir in cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and half of the mozzarella. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the fusilli to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Aromatics & Beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Increase heat slightly, add the ground beef, and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Create the Sauce: Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika. Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until a creamy, cohesive sauce forms.
5. Combine: Remove the pan from heat. Add the drained pasta, chopped crispy bacon, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the beef sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta bake is a complete meal on its own. For a balanced plate, serve it with a simple green side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce. For a lighter accompaniment, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli work wonderfully.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta al dente. Brown beef with onions and garlic, then season. Create a sauce by adding cream. Combine sauce with pasta, bacon, and half the cheese. Transfer to a dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the bake completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, full-fat crème fraîche or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour (added with the spices) can work, though the sauce will be less rich.
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Any short pasta with good sauce-holding ability like penne, rigatoni, or shells will work perfectly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 160°C until warmed through.
Can I add vegetables? Definitely. Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, as it will continue to soften in the oven—always aim for al dente. Do not skip draining excess fat from the browned beef, as this can make the final dish greasy. Ensure your sauce has thickened slightly on the stovetop before combining with the pasta; if it’s too thin, the bake may be watery. Finally, resist the urge to overbake, which can cause the cheese to become tough and the sauce to separate.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Bacon and Beef Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing, hearty meal. Its straightforward steps make it accessible for weeknights, while its impressive, bubbly finish is perfect for casual entertaining. By following this enhanced guide and tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and customize it to your taste. It’s a reliably delicious recipe that promises a satisfying, cheesy result every time.