Zesty Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake With Minced Beef Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s signature pasta bake elevates comfort food to an art form with its rustic charm and irresistible flavors.

Hearty minced beef dances with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of taste that warms the heart.

Each layer tells a culinary story of home-style cooking, packed with robust ingredients that promise pure satisfaction.

Vibrant vegetables intermingle with rich meat, delivering a balanced and mouthwatering experience.

Boldly seasoned and lovingly crafted, this dish transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary moments.

Bubbling cheese creates a golden, crispy crown that beckons everyone to the table.

One forkful, and you’ll understand why this pasta bake isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of deliciousness waiting to be devoured.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake with Minced Beef: Ingredient Rundown

• Penne Pasta: Choose bronze-cut pasta for better sauce absorption and authentic texture.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Celery, Carrot: Select grass-fed beef for richer flavor and fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic Cloves: Pick plump, firm bulbs without green sprouts for intense, sweet taste.

• Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Fennel: Use fresh herbs when possible for more aromatic and robust flavors.
• Tomato Paste: Look for concentrated, deep red paste without added preservatives.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Prefer ripe, San Marzano variety for naturally sweet and less acidic sauce.

• Shredded Cheese: Select medium-aged cheese with good melting properties like mild cheddar or mozzarella.

Tools to Prepare Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake with Minced Beef

• Large Pan: Wide-bottomed cooking vessel for sautéing and browning ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp kitchen knife for precise dicing and chopping.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Baking Dish: Rectangular ceramic or glass container for assembling and baking the pasta.
• Colander: Strainer for draining cooked pasta and removing excess water.
• Measuring Cups: Tools for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Device for shredding cheese topping.
• Oven: Cooking appliance for baking the pasta dish to golden perfection.

How to Assemble Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake with Minced Beef

• Kickstart the Pasta Party

Get your kitchen buzzing by boiling pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside while preparing for a mouthwatering adventure.

• Sizzle and Spice

Heat up a large pan with a splash of oil. Toss in chopped onions and let them dance until they turn soft and see-through. Sprinkle in minced garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Beef Up the Flavor

Drop ground beef into the pan and break it down as it sizzles. Shower with a blend of aromatic herbs that will make your taste buds sing. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown masterpiece.

• Sauce Magic

Stir in tomato paste and introduce a colorful crew of vegetables. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a sauce that’s bursting with rich, deep flavors. Watch as the ingredients transform into a velvety, comforting mixture.

• Layer and Bake

Combine the hearty beef sauce with the waiting pasta in a baking dish. Crown the creation with a generous blanket of shredded cheese. Slide into a preheated oven and let the magic happen.

• Golden Finale

Bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket and the top turns crispy. Pull out a dish that’s guaranteed to make everyone at the table cheer with delight. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Ways to Switch Up Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake with Minced Beef

Mix in different ground meats like turkey or lamb for unique flavor profiles.

Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more texture.

Experiment with various cheese combinations such as mozzarella, parmesan, or sharp cheddar to elevate the dish’s richness.

Incorporate red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a personalized heat level that matches your taste preferences.

Serving Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake with Minced Beef at the Table

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and added freshness that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Side Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich pasta bake.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the hearty beef and tomato flavors of the pasta bake.

Reheat and Save Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake with Minced Beef

• Meal Preservation Strategies
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Keeps perfectly frozen for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Portion Control Technique: Divide into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label with date to track freshness.

Hearty Jamie Oliver Pasta Bake With Minced Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s Hearty Beef Pasta Bake combines rich ground beef with comforting pasta and a robust tomato sauce. Italian-inspired ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (17.6 oz) minced beef
• 300 g (10.6 oz) penne pasta
• 400 ml (13.5 fl oz) tinned chopped tomatoes
• 3 tbsps tomato puree or tomato paste
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stick
• ½ red onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried fennel

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook penne to al dente perfection, drain thoroughly, and reserve in a large mixing bowl.
2. Oven Calibration: Set oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / 400°F for optimal baking environment.
3. Vegetable Preparation: Finely chop celery, onion, carrot, and garlic into uniform pieces to enhance flavor distribution and cooking consistency.
4. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly to release intense aromatics.
5. Meat and Herb Fusion: Brown ground beef while incorporating dried basil, thyme, oregano, and fennel. Introduce tomato paste to create a rich, deep flavor profile.
6. Sauce Development: Fold in chopped tomatoes, carrots, and celery. Simmer until vegetables soften and sauce thickens, concentrating the robust Mediterranean flavors.
7. Combining Elements: Merge beef sauce with cooked pasta, ensuring complete ingredient integration and even coating.
8. Final Assembly: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top generously with shredded cheese for a golden, melted crust.
9. Baking Finale: Roast in preheated oven until cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed topping, approximately 20-25 minutes.
10. Serving: Rest for 5 minutes, then present the piping hot pasta bake, allowing the aromatic blend of herbs, meat, and cheese to tantalize the senses.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta precisely al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain ideal texture during baking.
• Herb Harmony: Use fresh herbs if possible for more vibrant, intense flavor profiles compared to dried alternatives.
• Cheese Coating: Choose a melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for maximum golden-brown, crispy top layer.
• Resting Ritual: Allow dish to rest 5 minutes after baking to help flavors settle and make serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg