Hearty Beef and Mushroom Chickpea Pasta Bake
What Started it all:
Minced beef, mushrooms, chickpea pasta, cauliflower, corn, cheese, kale, bellpepper, onion, leek, tomatoes, garlic
This hearty and nutritious dish combines the rich flavors of minced beef and mushrooms with the goodness of chickpea pasta and fresh vegetables. It's perfect for a family dinner, providing a delightful balance of protein and fiber. Let's dive into this comforting recipe that serves 4!
Ingredients
- 500g minced beef
- 200g mushrooms, chopped
- 300g chickpea pasta
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
- 150g corn (canned or frozen)
- 200g cheese (cheddar or your choice), grated
- 100g 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: herbs (like oregano or basil) for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, leek, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced beef and chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the mushrooms have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cauliflower florets, diced bell pepper, corn, kale, and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you'd like. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chickpea pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the grated cheese evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef and mushroom chickpea pasta bake!
This Hearty Beef and Mushroom Chickpea Pasta Bake is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meal. It's a fantastic dish for sharing with family and friends, and the leftovers (if any) can be enjoyed the next day. Happy cooking!