Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake

This Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting dish, combining tender ground beef with colorful vegetables and pasta, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it brings together the flavors of home in every bite.

Ingredients

• Ground beef - 250 grams
• Pasta (penne or rigatoni) - 150 grams
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Onion - 1 small, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes - 400 grams
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Mozzarella cheese - 100 grams, shredded
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh basil - a handful, chopped (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the diced zucchini and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
6. Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Combine the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture, mixing until evenly coated.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the beef, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

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