Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Chickpea Pasta Bake
What Started it all:
Minced beef, chickpea pasta, cauliflower, corn, cheese, kale, bellpepper, onion, leek, tomatoes, garlic
This hearty and nutritious dish combines minced beef, chickpea pasta, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all topped with a delicious layer of melted cheese. It's a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners and is packed with flavors and textures. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 500g minced beef
- 250g chickpea pasta
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 200g cheese (cheddar or your choice), grated
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 leek, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, leek, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Minced Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the minced beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs if desired.
- Incorporate the Veggies: Stir in the cauliflower, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, and kale. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked chickpea pasta to the skillet and mix everything together. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy beef and vegetable chickpea pasta bake!
This Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Chickpea Pasta Bake is not only delicious but also a wholesome way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meal. It’s a great dish for meal prep and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or spices. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with friends and family!