Pasta Casserole with Cream Sauce and Minced Meat

This Pasta Casserole with Cream Sauce and Minced Meat is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Combining tender noodles, flavorful ground turkey, and a rich cream sauce, this casserole is baked to golden perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 paprika, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
500g (17.5oz) ground turkey
1 tomato, diced
Salt to taste (approx. 2/3 tsp)

Pepper mixture to taste
1 tbsp tomato sauce (optional)
2 pinches of salt
1 tbsp flour
370ml (1+1/2 cups) milk

For the Pasta:
1 tsp salt
1.5L (6 cups) water
1 tbsp olive oil
300g (10oz) noodles

For Topping:
120g (4.2oz) mozzarella, shredded

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Prepare the Cream Sauce:

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the additional 1/2 paprika and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. Add two pinches of salt and chopped parsley, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.

   Cook the Pasta:

   1. 1. Bring 1.5L of water to a boil in a large pot.
      2. Add 1 tsp of salt and 1 tbsp of olive oil.
      3. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

   Assemble the Casserole:

   1. 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
      2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, meat sauce, and cream sauce. Mix until well combined.
   1. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
   2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

   Bake:

   1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
   2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Preparation Time:

Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes