Cheesy Baked Fusilli with Smoked Beef and Veggies

Baked Fusilli with Smoked Beef

This delightful baked fusilli dish combines tender pasta spirals with sweet carrots, corn, and flavorful smoked beef, all enveloped in a rich, savory meat sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 250 grams fusilli (or elbow pasta)
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 ear of corn
• Grated mozzarella cheese or Kraft Quick Melt cheese
• 1 sheet smoked beef, finely chopped (for topping)
• Oregano (optional, for garnish)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 4 slices smoked beef, diced
• 5 medium tomatoes
• 1/2 small bottle tomato ketchup
• 3 tablespoons spaghetti sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a bowl. While still hot, mix in 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Peel the carrots and leave them whole. Steam them briefly, then cut into small dice. Set aside.
   • Remove the corn kernels from the cob and either steam or boil them until tender. Combine the carrots and corn with the pasta.

3. Make the Meat Sauce:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Score a small cross on the bottom of each tomato to make peeling easier. Blanch the tomatoes for 3 minutes, then let them cool slightly. Peel off the skins and finely chop the tomatoes. Set aside.
   • In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the coarsely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens.
   • Stir in the tomato ketchup and spaghetti sauce. Add the diced smoked beef and season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.

4. Assemble the Dish:

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Prepare a heatproof dish or aluminum foil pan. Spread half of the pasta and vegetable mixture in the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated mozzarella cheese on top.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and meat sauce, finishing with a final layer of cheese.

5. Bake:

   • Top with finely chopped smoked beef and a sprinkle of oregano if desired.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

This baked fusilli with smoked beef is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together the comforting flavors of cheese, pasta, and savory meat sauce in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.