CHEESY MEATBALL PASTA BAKE

SERVES 6 PREP 20 MINS COOK 40 MINS

◆ 500g beef mince

◆ 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

◆ 1 onion, chopped finely

◆ 1 cup basil leaves, chopped, plus extra leaves to serve

◆ 1 lemon, finely grated zest, 2 tbsp juice

◆ 1 tbsp olive oil

◆ 2 x 400g cans diced tomatoes

◆ ½ cup beef stock or water

◆ 1 tbsp tomato paste

◆ 2 garlic cloves, crushed

◆ 500g penne pasta

◆ 1 cup grated tasty cheese

◆ ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

1 Preheat oven to 180ºc.

2 In a large bowl, combine mince, breadcrumbs, onion, basil, lemon zest and juice. Season to taste. Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls.

3 In a large frying pan, heat oil on high. Fry meatballs 3-4 mins, turning, until browned all over. Stir in tomato, stock, paste and garlic. Bring to the boil. Simmer 4-5 mins until sauce thickens slightly.

4 Meanwhile, cook pasta following packet instructions. Drain well. Stir pasta into meatball mixture in frying pan.

5 Spoon into a 4-litre casserole dish. Sprinkle over combined cheeses.

6 Bake 25-30 mins until golden and bubbling. Sprinkle with extra basil to serve. Accompany with a salad, if desired.