One pot creamy pasta with minced meat recipe is satisfying and perfect for any day of week. It’s a simple and tender home-cooked meal — warm and easy to make.
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🥘 Main Ingredients for making pasta with minced meat
- For Meat Filling & Sauce:
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Ground beef – 450g
- Onion – 1 medium
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Salt – for boiling water + 1 tsp (for sauce)
- Pasta sheets – as needed
- Mushrooms – 200g
- Tomatoes – 2 small
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Oregano – 1 tsp
- Ground pepper – 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Parsley – to garnish
- Cheese – 200g (for topping)
- For Sauce:
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Flour – 2 tbsp
- Milk – 200 ml
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Pepper powder – ½ tsp
- Nutmeg – ⅓ tsp
- 🥗 Salad Ingredients
- Salad leaves
- Onion
- Cucumber
- Capsicum
- Tomato
- Radish
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Ground pepper
This pasta with minced meat is a comforting and flavour-packed dish made with seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, tomatoes, and a creamy white sauce. The pasta is lightly boiled, filled with the rich mince mixture, topped with cheese, and baked until perfectly melted and golden. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that works well for both family dinners and casual gatherings.
⏱ Prep Time
25 minutes
⏲ Cook Time
30 minutes
🔥 Bake Time
20 minutes
🍽 Serves
4–5
👩🍳 How to make pasta with minced meat
1. Cook the minced meat
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir continuously until the meat is evenly browned and no pink remains.
2. Add onion and garlic
Add the chopped onion to the cooked mince and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the aroma to release without burning.
3. Cook the tomato paste
Add the tomato paste to the pan and mix it through the mince. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste and deepen the flavour of the sauce.
4. Boil the pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season generously with salt. Add the pasta sheets and boil for 1–2 minutes, just until they soften slightly. Drain carefully and set aside so they are ready for filling.
5. Prepare the creamy white sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper powder, and nutmeg, then cook until the sauce thickens and becomes silky and smooth.
6. Add vegetables and seasoning
Add the mushrooms to the minced meat and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, garlic powder, oregano, ground pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavours combine well. Finish with freshly chopped parsley.
7. Assemble the pasta dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of white sauce over the base of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Fill each pasta sheet with the minced meat mixture and arrange them neatly in the dish.
8. Add sauce and cheese
Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the filled pasta, making sure all pasta is covered. Sprinkle the grated cheese generously on top for a rich, golden finish.
9. Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
10. Rest and serve
Remove the pasta from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier. Serve warm with a fresh salad on the side.
⭐ Tips
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You can use cannelloni or large pasta tubes for easier filling.
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Add chili flakes for heat if desired.
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Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I prepare this pasta with minced meat ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the minced meat sauce and the white sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to bake, assemble the pasta, add sauce and cheese, then bake as directed.
2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Large pasta sheets, cannelloni, or any pasta that can hold filling works best. These types allow the minced meat to sit inside the pasta and absorb the creamy sauce during baking.
3. Can I use a different type of mince?
Absolutely. You can substitute beef mince with chicken, turkey, or lamb mince. Cooking times remain similar, but chicken mince may cook slightly faster.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Make sure the pasta is fully covered with white sauce before baking. The sauce keeps the pasta moist and creamy while baking in the oven.
5. Can I add more vegetables to the minced meat?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Vegetables like spinach, zucchini, carrots, or capsicum work very well and add extra nutrition and flavour.
6. What cheese is best for topping?
Melting cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, tasty cheese, or a cheese blend are ideal. Using a mix of cheeses gives a richer flavour and better browning.
7. How do I know when the pasta is fully baked?
The dish is ready when the cheese is melted and lightly golden, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the pasta is tender when pierced with a knife.
8. Is this pasta with minced meat freezer-friendly?
Yes. Allow the baked dish to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
9. Can I make this recipe less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of white sauce slightly or use low-fat milk. The dish will still be flavourful but less rich.
10. What should I serve with this pasta?
This pasta pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables, helping balance the richness of the dish.
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