Baked Bolognese - A New Take on an Old Classic

Step 1: Introduction to Baked Bolognese

The chef introduces the dish, a baked Bolognese with macaroni, and mentions a previous video on Ragu alla Bolognese.

Step 2: Prepare Bolognese Base

Combine 1 cup rough-chopped yellow onion, 1 cup rough-chopped carrots, 1 cup rough-chopped celery, 5 large cloves (approx. 25g) garlic, and 1/4 cup chicken broth in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add 1 pound of ground turkey (or protein of choice) to a pan. Add the blended Bolognese base to the pan with the meat.

Step 4: Season the Meat and Pasta Water

Season the meat and Bolognese base with salt, fresh cracked black pepper, about 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add about 2 teaspoons of salt to 2.5 cups of water in a separate pot for the pasta.

Step 5: Continue Browning Meat and Seasoning

Continue browning the meat, flipping it over, and adding more salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Once the meat is almost done (no pink left), drop 1 cup of macaroni into the boiling salted water. Cook for 6 minutes to achieve an al dente texture, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Stir the pasta occasionally, especially at the beginning, to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Shred Mozzarella

Shred about 1/2 cup of whole milk mozzarella using a rotary food grater.

Step 8: Add Fresh Onion and Pasta Sauce

Once the meat is cooked to 165°F internal temperature with no pink left, add 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion to the meat mixture for extra crunch. Pour in one jar of Classico Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic pasta sauce.

Step 9: Add Oregano and Stir

Add oregano to taste. Stir the sauce, meat, and onions to incorporate all ingredients and heat through.

Step 10: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the Bolognese and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more pepper, salt, garlic powder, and oregano.

Step 11: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the macaroni, cooked 3 minutes under al dente, to the Bolognese sauce. Stir to combine. Remember to save pasta water if you need to thin your sauce.

Step 12: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the Bolognese mixture onto a baking sheet lined with foil to maximize surface area for crisping.

Step 13: Top with Cheese and Broil

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the Bolognese. Broil under medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the edges are crispy.

Step 14: Serve

Cut and serve the baked Bolognese with garlic bread. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and additional oregano.

• Salt at every step of the cooking process for optimal flavor.

• Salt the pasta water to evenly season the pasta.

• Save some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

• Use a baking sheet instead of a casserole dish for more surface area to crisp up the edges.

• Use your protein of choice, such as ground beef, chicken, or pork.

• Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.