Spiral Bake With Cheesy Topping (Oamc)

A filling, flavoursome and freezeable pasta bake with ground beef, lots of cheese and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Any type of pasta shape works well for this recipe, including penne, macaroni and bows. To freeze: Prepare from steps 2-5, then allow mixture to cool completely. Cover thedish well and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost, then bake, allowing a little extra cooking time.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 6  ounces  fusilli
• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 1  onion, peeled and chopped
• 1  lb ground beef
• 4  sticks celery, sliced
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 14  ounces chopped tomatoes
• 1  beef stock cube
• 1  teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, more to taste if desired
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper

• For the topping

• 1  ounce butter
• 1  ounce all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄4 cups milk
• 1  teaspoon mustard powder
• 2  ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

1. Set the oven to 400°F
2. Cook the pasta in boiling water for 10-14 mins, or as directed on the packet, until just tender, then drain well.
3. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan. Add the onion and cook it over a medium heat for 4-5 mins, until it starts to soften.
4. Add ground beef and celery to pan and cook for a further 5-8 mins, stirring well so the meat browns all over.
5. Add flour to the pan and cook for a further minute, stirring until the mixture has thickened, then stir in the tomatoes and 2/3 cup boiling water.
6. Stir well while the mixture comes to the boil.
7. Stir in stock cube, then add the Worcestershire sauce and seasoning to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes Remove the pan from heat and stir in drained pasta. Tip the mixture out into a gratin dish and level the surface.
8. To make the topping, melt the butter in a pan and add flour.
9. Cook for 1-2 mins until mixture forms a thick paste, then gradually pour in the milk, beating well and allowing mixture to come to the boil between each addition of liquid.
10. Remove pan from heat and add mustard powder and half the cheese. Season to taste. Spoon sauce over pasta, spreading it to cover. Sprinkle remaining cheese over.
11. Bake in the centre of the oven for 30-40 mins, or until the mixture is golden on top and sizzling hot.
12. Serve immediately.