Pasta Casserole with Cream Sauce and Minced Meat

This Pasta Casserole with Cream Sauce and Minced Meat is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Combining tender noodles, flavorful ground turkey, and a rich cream sauce, this casserole is baked to golden perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 paprika, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 500g (17.5oz) ground turkey
• 1 tomato, diced
• Salt to taste (approx. 2/3 tsp)
• Pepper mixture to taste
• 1 tbsp tomato sauce (optional)
• 50g (2 tbsp) butter
• 1/2 paprika, chopped (additional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 pinches of salt
• 1 tbsp flour
• 370ml (1+1/2 cups) milk

For the Pasta:

• 1.5L (6 cups) water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 300g (10oz) noodles

For Topping:

• 120g (4.2oz) mozzarella, shredded

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and 1/2 paprika, cooking until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Once the turkey is browned, add the diced tomato, salt, pepper mixture, and tomato sauce (if using). Simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld together.

Prepare the Cream Sauce:

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the additional 1/2 paprika and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. Add two pinches of salt and chopped parsley, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.

Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring 1.5L of water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add 1 tsp of salt and 1 tbsp of olive oil.
3. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, meat sauce, and cream sauce. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine.

Cooking Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the meat sauce.
• Ensure the cream sauce is thickened properly before mixing it with the pasta to avoid a runny casserole.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella for a better melt and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

• This dish provides a good balance of protein from the ground turkey and mozzarella, carbohydrates from the pasta, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

Dietary Information:

• Contains: Dairy, Gluten
• May Contain: Nuts (depending on the tomato sauce used)
• Suitable for: Non-vegetarians

Storage:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use another type of meat instead of ground turkey?
   Yes, ground chicken, beef, or pork can be used as a substitute for ground turkey.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Substitute the ground turkey with plant-based meat alternatives, or use a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant for a vegetarian version.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the cream sauce with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.
4. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese for topping?
   Yes, you can use cheddar, Parmesan, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
6. How can I make the sauce thicker?
   To thicken the cream sauce further, add a bit more flour or let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
7. What type of noodles works best for this recipe?
   Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best, as they hold the sauce well and are easy to mix.
8. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, the casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
9. Can I use low-fat milk or dairy alternatives for the cream sauce?
   Yes, you can use low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
10. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out when reheating?
    Cover the casserole with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.