Cheesy Bolognese Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion (or 2 shallots)
• 500 g Beef Mince (1 lb) (Lean 5% mince if wanting to keep low fat or 15-20% for best flavour)
• 90 g Pancetta (3 oz) (or substitute bacon lardons / chopped bacon)
• 150 grams Mushrooms (5 oz) (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Tomato and Garlic Puree (or substitute with 2tbsp regular tomato puree and 1 clove of crushed garlic.)
• 1 tsp Chilli Puree / 1 fresh finely chopped chilli or 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (Optional)
• 500 grams Passata (2 1/4 cup) (substitute with strained, sieved tomatoes or tin of chopped tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp Mixed Herbs (We used Italian mixed herbs)
• 1 Bay leaf
• 300 grams Pasta Shells (3 cups) (or any pasta shape you like/have to hand)
• 100 grams Cherry Tomatoes (about 12) (optional)
• 100 grams Mozzarella or medium-mature cheddar (1 cup) (see note in the blog post about which cheese to use)
• Parmesan (if stronger taste desired)
• Salt & Pepper
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (torn & scattered on top)
• Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Fry onions/shallots in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft and golden

2. 2

   Brown: Add mince and pancetta, fry on medium heat, breaking down the mince with a spatula until the mince has just started to brown. (Do not overcook at this point as it will dry the meat out, remember it will continue to cook in sauce & in the oven.)

3. 3

   Mushrooms: Add mushroom and stir through.

4. 4

   Sauce: Stir through the tomato & garlic puree, chilli puree (if using), passata, herbs and season with salt & pepper before bringing to the boil. Leave to simmer for 15 minutes uncovered.Preheat Oven at 180°C fan/ 200°C /400°F/ Gas Mark 6.

5. 5

   Boil: Meanwhile, cook your pasta for 1/2 the recommended time stated on the packet. (remember it will continue to cook in the sauce in the oven so it's ok that it is still firm when drained)

6. 6

   Stir: Add cherry tomatoes & drained pasta to the sauce and stir through making sure it is well mixed.

7. 7

   Transfer: Pour the pasta and bolognese into a large ovenproof casserole dish

8. 8

   Cheese: Sprinkle with your choice of cheese

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven (180°C fan/ 200°C /400°F/ Gas Mark 6) , uncovered for 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra cheeseServe as it is, or with salad or garlic bread.