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30g butter
30g flour
500ml milk
3g salt
Additional Ingredients:
Mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, pour 500ml milk, crack 2 eggs, and add 130ml water. Whisk together until well blended.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Add 5g salt and 220g flour to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. For best results, sift the flour before adding to the mixture.
Add Oil:
Stir in 20g vegetable oil to the batter. This helps in making the crepes non-stick and adds a slight richness to the batter.
Cook the Batter:
Heat a flat pan over medium-low heat. Lightly grease the pan with a bit of vegetable oil. Scoop some batter onto the pan and spread it out evenly. Cook each side for about 2 minutes or until golden yellow. Repeat until all batter is used.
Pro Tip: To ensure your crepes are evenly cooked, tilt the pan in a circular motion right after adding the batter, spreading it thinly and evenly.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat Oil:
In a pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the meat to prevent sticking.
Cook Beef:
Add 500g minced beef to the pan. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Add Vegetables:
Dice 1 onion and 1 red bell pepper. Add them to the pan with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic:
Mince 2 garlic cloves and add to the pan. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Season and Flavor:
Add 30g ketchup, 3g salt, 30g soy sauce, and black pepper to taste. Stir well and cook until the sauce is well combined and thickened, about 5 minutes.
Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, let the meat sauce simmer on low heat for an extra 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Prepare the White Sauce:
Melt Butter:
In a saucepan, melt 30g butter over low heat. Make sure not to burn the butter.
Add Flour:
Add 30g flour to the melted butter and stir quickly to form a smooth paste. This is called a roux and serves as the base for your white sauce.
Add Milk:
Gradually add 500ml milk to the flour mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Season:
Add 3g salt. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency. Stir continuously while adding milk to ensure a smooth and lump-free sauce.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake:
Layer the Ingredients:
In a baking dish, start with a layer of the cooked pasta crepes. Spread them out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
Spread White Sauce:
Spread a layer of white sauce over the pasta crepes. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly.
Add Meat Sauce:
Add a layer of the meat sauce on top of the white sauce. Spread it out evenly to cover the white sauce layer.
Repeat Layers:
Continue layering pasta crepes, white sauce, and meat sauce until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of white sauce.
Top with Cheese:
Grate mozzarella cheese and generously sprinkle it over the top layer. The cheese will melt and form a golden, bubbly crust.
Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy and crispy top, you can add a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Dish:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside.
Bake:
Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Check occasionally to prevent over-browning.
Cool and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Serving:
Serve the delicious layered beef and cheese pasta bake hot. This dish is perfect for dinner and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and a pop of color.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light green salad to balance the richness of the pasta bake.
A glass of red wine pairs wonderfully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the beef and cheese.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Leftover pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta bake in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Variations and Tips:
Vegetarian Option: Replace the minced beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicy variation.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or carrots into the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Conclusion:
This layered pasta bake is a savory, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy white sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese makes it irresistibly delicious. Enjoy this recipe, and don’t forget to share it with your friends.
