Mary Berry's Speedy Pasta Bake Revolutionises Weeknight Dinners
Beloved British cook Mary Berry has once again worked her culinary magic, transforming the classic bolognese into a hearty pasta bake that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. This ultimate comfort food solution, perfect for busy families, first appeared on her television programme 'Mary Berry's Simple Comforts' and can now be found through an online video or on the BBC website.
The Simple Ingredients for a Perfect Family Meal
To recreate this comforting dish, you will need a specific set of ingredients. For the rich sauce, gather 675g of minced beef, 350-550ml of beef stock, 250g of sliced chestnut mushrooms, and two 400g cans of chopped tomatoes. The flavour base consists of two chopped onions, two chopped celery sticks, two crushed garlic cloves, two tablespoons each of Worcestershire sauce and redcurrant jelly, and a tablespoon each of olive oil and butter, seasoned with thyme, salt, and pepper.
For the pasta component, you will need 225g of penne pasta. The irresistible cheesy topping is made from 50g of grated cheddar cheese and 30g of Parmesan cheese.
Mary Berry's Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C. In a deep frying pan, heat the oil and cook the onions and celery on high heat for about three minutes until they soften. Add the mince, using two wooden spatulas to break it apart, and fry until it turns a golden brown.
Next, stir in the garlic and tomato puree, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, chopped tomatoes, and redcurrant jelly. Pour in the beef stock, season generously with salt and pepper, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, cook the mushrooms separately. Melt butter in a lidded pan, fry the mushrooms on high for one minute, then cover and cook for two more minutes. Remove the lid and cook for a final two minutes on high before adding them, along with the thyme, to the mince sauce.
In a separate pot, cook the penne pasta in boiling water until softened. Drain and rinse it before mixing it into the bolognese sauce. Transfer the entire mixture into a large, shallow ovenproof dish, sprinkle generously with the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
The Secret to This Cosy Weeknight Winner
Mary Berry herself has gushed about this creation, stating, "It's crispy brown on top, and underneath it will be soft with the sauce... I can't think of anything I'll enjoy more with family on a weekday than this wonderful pasta bake." This recipe exemplifies why pasta bakes remain a popular midweek choice—their simplicity, versatility, and ability to be a vehicle for leftovers. By turning a British staple into a baked, cheesy masterpiece, Mary Berry has provided the perfect answer for a quick, satisfying, and cosy evening meal that the whole family will love.
