Taco Inspired Pasta Bake

Serves 6

Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large brown onion, diced

1 large red capsicum, diced

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 

500g beef mince

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp cumin

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 x 800g tin diced tomatoes

2 cups baby spinach

400g pasta (penne or rigatoni)

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Sour cream, to serve

Method

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook pasta as per package instructions. Drain and set aside. 

Preheat oven to 200°C. 

In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook stirring for 1 minute before adding beef mince, capsicum, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder and cumin. 

Cook, stirring until the mince is browned. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring for 1 minute before adding the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Lower the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened and flavour has developed. Stir in baby spinach.

Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta. 

Spoon pasta into a large baking dish and sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden.

Serve with a good dollop of sour cream on top.