Cheesy Baked Pasta with Ground Beef
This comforting baked pasta features tender macaroni tossed in a richly spiced ground beef and tomato sauce, layered with bell peppers and gooey mozzarella. Baked until golden and bubbly, it makes an effortless and hearty lunch or dinner for two.
Ingredients for 2 servings
Instructions
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1
Shred the mozzarella cheese and finely dice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers, setting them aside.
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2
Finely mince the onion and garlic cloves using a food processor or blender.
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3
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned.
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4
Add the minced onion and garlic to the beef and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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5
Stir in 1 cup of tomato sauce, black pepper, paprika, sugar, 1/2 tsp of salt, turmeric, coriander, and cumin.
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6
Add the diced bell peppers and 1/2 cup of water, cover, and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, then uncover and cook for another 5 minutes.
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7
In a separate pot, bring 900 ml of water to a boil with 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp oil, add the pasta, and cook until tender before draining.
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8
Transfer the cooked pasta to a large bowl, mix in a few spoonfuls of the meat sauce, and fold in a handful of shredded mozzarella.
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9
Grease two individual baking bowls with butter, then assemble by alternating layers of pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese, finishing with cheese on top.
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10
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or 380°F for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown, then let cool slightly before serving.
