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This creamy pasta bake with melted raclette cheese and ground beef is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for casual dinners with friends or cozy family meals, it combines tender shell pasta, savory meat, and gooey melted cheese into a deeply satisfying casserole that never fails to impress.
A Classic Family Favorite
The magic of this dish lies in its heartwarming simplicity. The combination of pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and rich raclette creates an irresistible medley that brings everyone to the table. It's an effortless crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in a baking dish.
Essential Ingredients
For a generously sized casserole, select quality small shell pasta, well-marbled ground beef, and thick slices of raclette cheese. The aromatics include diced onion and minced garlic cloves to enhance the meat, while heavy cream adds luxurious richness. Olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley round out the ingredient list.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by cooking the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Meanwhile, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, then brown the ground beef until properly caramelized. The dish comes together when everything is combined with cream and topped with raclette slices. Bake at 350°F for fifteen minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust.
Pro Tips
For enhanced flavor, incorporate a pinch of nutmeg into the cream sauce. Experiment with cheese combinations like mixing raclette with gruyere and emmental. The finishing touch: a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs over the top creates an irresistibly crispy golden crust.
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Serving Suggestions
Add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to make it a complete meal. Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For special occasions, pair with a glass of medium-bodied red wine to complement the hearty flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this pasta bake ahead of time?
- Absolutely, you can assemble it earlier and bake it later. If it's been in the fridge, just add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- → Can I swap the cheese with something else?
- Sure! Try cheddar or mozzarella as substitutes. Just make sure it melts well and gets that nice golden finish.
- → How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
- Cook the pasta until it's just firm (al dente) and add enough cream. If it looks too thick, a splash of pasta water will help.
- → What kind of ground beef works best?
- Go for beef with 15% fat for the best balance of flavor. A mix of beef and pork or even ground turkey also works well for lighter options.
- → How should I reheat leftovers?
- Cover it with foil and pop it in the oven at 320°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes. The foil prevents the cheese on top from burning.