Baked Spaghetti with Minced Meat and Cheese

Ingredients (Serves 6)
Spaghetti: 200 g (7 oz)
Minced Meat: 400 g (14 oz)
Onion: 1, finely chopped
Garlic Clove: 1, minced
Carrot: 1, grated
Bell Pepper: 1/2 pc, diced
Tomato: 1, chopped
Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
Eggs: 4
Spring Onions: 2-3 stalks, chopped
Milk: 450 ml (1 3/4 cups)
Butter: 50 g (1/4 cup)
Flour: 4 tbsp (30 g)
Grated Cheese: 100 g (1 cup)
Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp
Salt and Black Pepper: to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat and Vegetables

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add minced meat and cook until browned. Stir in grated carrot, diced bell pepper, and chopped tomato. Cook for 5 minutes, then season with salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, chopped spring onions, and milk until well combined.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, whisking to form a smooth roux, and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese until melted.
5. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with the meat and vegetable mixture.
Transfer to a greased baking dish, pour the egg mixture evenly over the spaghetti, then top with cheese sauce.
6. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
7. Serve

Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese on top adds extra flavor.

Cooking Tips
Use any type of pasta if you don’t have spaghetti.
For a creamier sauce, use full-fat milk or add a bit of cream.
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to minced meat.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish provides a balanced meal with protein from the meat and eggs, carbohydrates from the pasta, and healthy fats from the cheese and butter.

Dietary Information
Contains dairy, gluten, and eggs. Can be adjusted for specific dietary needs by using plant-based alternatives for milk and cheese or gluten-free pasta.