Budget and Family Friendly Baked Pasta Recipe

This protein packed baked pasta recipe is sure to be a huge hit for family dinner night and we love this family friendly recipe.

It has 28g of protein and can be made into a vegetarian dish as well if you swap the the mince meat for beans, veggies and lentils.

Such an easy dish, with loads of flavour and healthy ingredients to help your gut and tummy.  

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Baked Pasta (Serves 6)

Ingredients:
•    500g rigatoni pasta (GF if preferred)
•    250g mozzarella cheese

Béchamel Sauce:
•    500ml milk of choice
•    50g butter
•    50g flour
•    Pinch salt, black pepper, nutmeg

Ragu Sauce:
•    600g minced meat (turkey, chicken, beef or pork)
•    1 onion, chopped
•    1 carrot, diced
•    800g tomato sauce
•    Pinch salt, black pepper, thyme

Method
1.    Pre-cook rigatoni for 4 minutes and drain.
2.    Place rigatoni in a baking dish.
3.    Cook ragu sauce: sauté onion and carrot, add mince, brown it, then stir in tomato sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4.    Make béchamel: Melt butter, stir in flour, then whisk in milk until thick.
5.    Pour ragu sauce over pasta, followed by béchamel.
6.    Top with mozzarella and bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.

Macros per serving:
•    Calories: 450 kcal
•    Protein: 28g
•    Carbs: 55g
•    Fat: 15g
•    Fibre: 6g

Health Benefits:
•    Protein-packed: Great for muscle repair and satiety.
•    Gut-friendly fibre: Tomatoes and onions provide digestive support.
•    Bone health: Dairy in béchamel sauce offers calcium and vitamin D.