Quick and Easy Nudelauflauf: The Ultimate German Pasta Bake Recipe

Quick Nudelauflauf or "Pasta Bake" is a popular German dish often associated with homely comfort. Traditionally, this dish has been served to large families given its simple ingredients, yet filling and satisfying nature. An old German wives tale suggests that the dish is a magic cure for the mid-week blues and is, therefore, often made mid-week to provide warmth, love and a delicious meal all at once.

Ingredients:

400 grams of pasta, any variety based on preference.
1 large onion, finely chopped
300 grams of ground meat
1 can of corn (optional)
400 grams of grated cheese (Gouda or Cheddar recommended)
1 can of tomato sauce OR 300 grams of crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper
2 teaspoons of paprika
Olive oil for frying

Preparation:

Prepare the Base: Begin by boiling the pasta, but make sure to cook it al-dente as it will continue to cook in the oven later. While the pasta is cooking, take a large pan and saute the chopped onions in olive oil until they become translucent. Add the ground meat to the same pan and continue to cook until it's browned. Sprinkle the salt, pepper and paprika for seasoning. Next, add the drained corn and tomato sauce to the meat and stir well. Finally, add the cooked pasta into the pan, and mix but ensure not to over stir.
Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 180-degree Celcius. While the oven heats up, get a large baking dish and put half of your pasta and meat mixture into the dish, evenly spread it, and then layer it with half of your grated cheese. Repeat this with the rest of your mixture and cheese, making sure cheese is the last layer. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and has a beautiful golden brown color.
Serve and Garnish: Let the Schneller Nudelauflauf rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with some fresh basil or parsley, based on preference. This dish is best served straight from the oven and is best complemented with a mixed salad and a creamy salad dressing.

Tip:

If you prefer your Schneller Nudelauflauf a bit spicy, feel free to add some chilli flakes to your meat while cooking or sprinkle some on top before serving. Moreover, you can also sprinkle some bread crumbs on top along with cheese before baking to get an added crispy texture.