Gouda pasta bake
Extra cheesy, extra baked, extra tasty... Because there is no such thing as enough cheese on pasta
6 oz pasta spirals
2 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1 lb minced beef or lamb
4 sticks celery, sliced
2 level tablespoons plain flour
13.5 oz can chopped tomatoes
1 stock cube, beef or lamb, depending on meat used
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 oz plain flour
1⁄2 pint milk
1 level teaspoon dry mustard powder
2 oz Frico Gouda cheese, shredded
Set the oven to 375°F.
Cook the pasta in boiling water for 10-14 mins, or as directed on the packet, until just tender, then drain well.
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. Add minced meat and celery to pan and cook for a further 5-8 mins, stirring well so the meat browns all over.
Add flour to the pan and cook for a further minute, stirring until the mixture has thickened, then stir in the tomatoes and 1⁄4 pint boiling water. Stir well while the mixture comes to the boil.
Stir in stock cube, then add the Worcestershire sauce and seasoning to taste. Simmer for 2-3 mins.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in drained pasta. Tip the mixture out into a gratin dish and level the surface.
To make the topping, melt the butter in a pan and add flour. 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.
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.
Bake in the centre of the oven for 30-40 mins, or until the mixture is golden on top and sizzling hot. Serve immediately.
