Baked Pasta with Cheese and Bolognaise

This comforting baked pasta dish combines a rich bolognaise sauce with creamy cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The traditional elements of Italian cooking shine through in the savory meat sauce, while the melted cheese adds a delightful, gooey finish. It's a wholesome meal that's sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 300g pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 500g ground beef or pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 400g canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g mozzarella cheese, grated
• 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the bolognaise sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.