Beef and Pasta Bake for Picky Eaters
A pasta bake for those who don't like things that are creamy or cheesy.
Servings 5
Ingredients
- 8 oz ziti or penne
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs preferably fresh
- 1/4 cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish (9x9-inch would also work).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water, for a minute less than indicated on the package. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for a few minutes until browned. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for another minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian herbs, as well as a dash of salt and pepper. Allow to simmer for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if required, then add the cooked pasta and stir until well combined.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and top with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and allow to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.