Pasta al Forno con Carne

Pasta al Forno con Carne is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish, featuring layers of tender pasta, savory halal ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheese. This satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings a taste of Italy to your table.

Ingredients

• Pasta (penne or rigatoni) - 200 grams
• Halal ground beef - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Canned crushed tomatoes - 400 grams
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Mozzarella cheese - 100 grams, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Fresh basil leaves - for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the halal ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over it, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
8. Finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
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 cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the halal ground beef, supporting muscle health.
• Contains tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C.

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