Creamy Pasta Casserole

(With or without Thermomix Version)

If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, crowd-pleasing meal, this pasta casserole is exactly what you need. It is creamy, packed with flavor and amazing to hide vegetables for picky eaters especially for the little kiddos. My family loves this hearty dish it immediately fills the kitchen with cozy aromas. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. Prepared in the Thermomix if you have one or not, I will show you step by step how to accomplish this incredibly satisfying dish.

The creamy pasta casserole is a combination of tender pasta, a rich and creamy white sauce, ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef gently simmered in vegetables and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection. The rich flavors and textures come together effortlessly making this a true favorite to keep in your recipe rotation.

What You’ll Need:

• 200g Cheese (Gouda)
• 300g Pasta
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 1 large Carrot
• 20g Oil
• 40g Tomato paste
• 1 Can of diced Tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp Chicken soup mix
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 1 Can of corn
• 350g Chicken stock
• 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp dried Oregano
• 1 tsp dried Parsley
• 500g ground Pork, Chicken, Turkey or Beef
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder

What You’ll Need for the White Sauce:

• 40g Butter
• 40g Flour
• 500g Milk
• Vegeta spices

How to Make It in a Thermomix:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente and place it in a casserole dish.
2. Grate the cheese, cut the cheese into chunks, place in the mixing bowl, and chop for 10 sec/speed 6. Transfer and set aside.
3. Add halved onion and garlic cloves to the mixing bowl and chop for 4 sec/speed 5. Scrape down the sides.
4. Add halved carrot and chop for 3 sec/speed 5. Scrape down again.
5. Add oil extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil and tomato paste and cook for 3min/120C/speed 1 (without measuring cup).

1. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, chicken stock, chicken soup mix, chopped bell pepper, 1 can of corn, italian herbs, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook for 10min/100C/speed 1.

1. Brown the ground meat in a pan without oil and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder and garlic powder.

1. Once the sauce is done add it to the meat, let it simmer slightly, then spread over the pasta and mix.

1. Preheat oven to 200C (400F) (top/bottom heat).
2. Wash and dry mixing bowl, add butter and melt for 2min/100C/speed 1.
3. Add flour and cook for 3min/100C/speed 2.
4. Add milk, vegeta spices and cook for 6min/100C/speed 3.
5. Pour the sauce over the casserole, sprinkle generously with cheese, and bake for about 25-30 minutes uncovered until golden and bubbly.

How to Make It without a Thermomix:

1. Cook the Pasta: – Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and transfer to a casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Vegetable Base: – Finely chop the onion, garlic, and carrot. Saute them in oil until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
3. Make the Sauce: – Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, chicken stock, chicken soup mix, chopped bell pepper, 1 can of corn, herbs, sugar, salt and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Cook the Ground Meat: – In a separate pan, brown the ground meat (no extra oil needed). Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder. Once cooked, combine the tomato sauce to the meat and let it simmer briefly.
5. Assemble the Casserole: – Pour the meat sauce over the cooked pasta and mix gently so everything is evenly coated.
6. Make the Cream White Sauce: – In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook briefly to form a roux. Slowly add milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Season with vegeta seasoning (optional) or salt and pepper. Cook until smooth and creamy.
7. Bake to Perfection: – Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Pour the cream sauce over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Pasta Casserole

• Use short pasta like macaroni for best texture
• Don’t overcook the pasta – it will finish cooking in the oven
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat
• Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken or make it vegetarian

What to Serve With It:

This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairs perfectly with:

• A fresh green salad
• Garlic bread
• Steamed vegetables
• Fresh Baguettes
• Apple Goat Cheese Salad

Storage & Reheating:

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven or microwave
• Freeze-friendly, just thaw and bake when ready

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