Delicious Pasta Casserole with Broccoli and Cheese
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Recipe Overview
Overview
This Pasta Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner. The layers of pasta, broccoli, and a savory meat mixture come together beautifully, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and melted cheese that creates a golden crust. The process begins with cooking the pasta until al dente, ensuring it holds its shape during baking. The addition of crispy bacon and minced meat elevates the dish, providing a satisfying richness that is hard to resist.
As you prepare the casserole, the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic fills the kitchen, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. The broccoli not only adds a nutritious touch but also a vibrant color that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. Layering the ingredients allows for a harmonious blend of flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
Baking the casserole until golden and bubbly transforms it into a comforting centerpiece for any family gathering. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to share stories and create memories around the dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Pasta Casserole is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your family.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Tip: Chop thyme for a fragrant flavor in the dish.
Tip: Add cream to the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
Tip: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and texture.
Pour water into a large saucepan and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
When the water starts to boil, add 8 oz or 250 g of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Put olive oil into a frying pan and set it over medium heat.
Chop one onion.
Add the chopped onion to the pan and stir, letting it fry until soft and translucent.
Grate two cloves of garlic on a mini grater.
Add the grated garlic to the pan with the onions and stir.
Cut one package of bacon into small strips.
Add the bacon to the pan and cook until golden and crisp.
Add 1 lb or 450 g of ground beef to the pan and use a spatula to break up the meat into small pieces.
Stir everything together, ensuring the onions, garlic, and bacon are well mixed with the beef.
Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of oregano.
Stir constantly and roast for 10 minutes until flavors are blended.
Cut one small broccoli or half of a large broccoli into florets.
Place the broccoli slices in a bowl and pour boiling water over them to cover.
Set aside the broccoli in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes until softened.
Tip: Let the broccoli sit in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly.
Melt half of a stick or 60 g of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Pour in 2 tbsp of flour and stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Pour in 1 cup or 240 ml of milk while stirring.
As the mixture thickens, add 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Tip: Stir continuously when adding flour to avoid lumps.
Tip: Add nutmeg to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Tip: Check the pasta for doneness before removing it from the stove.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Check the pasta for doneness.
Transfer the pasta into a bowl with the broccoli and pour the sauce over the top.
Sprinkle 10 oz or 300 g of grated cheese into the bowl and mix thoroughly.
Grease a square baking dish with olive oil.
Spoon out one layer of the pasta, broccoli, and sauce mixture into the dish.
Add a second layer of the minced meat and bacon mixture.
Spoon out a third layer of the pasta, broccoli, and sauce mixture.
Follow with a fourth layer of the minced meat and bacon.
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top.
Tip: Preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
Preheat your oven to 360° F or about 180° C.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Take the casserole out of the oven and place a generous slice on a plate.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Béchamel sauce is a classic white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, often used in pasta dishes.
- •Cooking pasta until al dente ensures it retains a firm texture and doesn't become mushy when baked.
- •Layering ingredients in a casserole allows flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously rich dish.
- •Broccoli adds a nutritious element to the casserole, providing vitamins and a pop of color.
