Make Ahead Bolognese Pasta Bake Recipes

BOLOGNESE PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 200ºc.
• Combine the bolognese, bechamel and cooked pasta and mix well. Add a little of the pasta cooking water to loosen the consistency, if necessary.
• Transfer half of the pasta to an oven-proof casserole dish then sprinkle over half of the cheese.
• Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
• Place in the oven and bake until bubbling and the top is golden.
• Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

WEEKNIGHT BOLOGNESE

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat has lost its pink color and has started to brown. Stir in the garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. Pour 1 cup of the wine into the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt, a splash of oil and the pasta, and cook according to the directions on the box.
• While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce. Add the nutmeg, basil, cream and the remaining 1/4 cup wine to the sauce and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. When the pasta is cooked, drain and pour into a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan and toss well. Serve hot with Parmesan on the side.

MAKE-AHEAD BOLOGNESE PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
• Meanwhile, brown meat with vegetables and garlic in large skillet on medium heat. Stir in pasta sauce; cook 3 to 5 min. or until heated through, stirring frequently. Add cream cheese; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in 2/3 cup mozzarella.
• Drain pasta. Add to meat mixture; mix well. Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with all remaining cheeses. Wrap tightly. Freeze up to 1 month.
• Heat oven to 400ºF when ready to serve casserole. Unwrap casserole; cover with foil. Bake 1 hour or until heated through, uncovering for the last 10 min.