Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Ground Beef Pasta in the Oven (Fırında Kıymalı Makarna), a Turkish-inspired baked pasta dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This recipe combines tender penne pasta, a hearty ground beef and tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onion, oregano, and thyme, and a creamy homemade béchamel sauce for an irresistibly indulgent layer. Topped with a golden, bubbly blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this baked pasta delivers the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness. Ready in just an hour, it's a delightful crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of warm garlic bread. Perfect for fans of comfort food and baked pasta recipes alike, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the pasta in plenty of salted, boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the tomato paste, canned chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ground beef mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Pour the béchamel sauce on top and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Calories |
2761 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.5 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.4 g | 352% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 458 mg | 153% | |
| Sodium | 5352 mg | 233% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 185.8 g | 68% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.2 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.5 g | ||
| Protein | 151.1 g | 302% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 2437 mg | 187% | |
| Iron | 14.8 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 2600 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.