When the evening rush hits and you need a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate, look no further than a classic pasta bake. Dame Mary Berry, the beloved queen of home cooking, has shared her ultimate solution for busy families: a simple Bolognese pasta bake that's ready in under 30 minutes.
The Perfect Weeknight Saviour
This dish is more than just a convenient dinner; it's a centrepiece that transforms the kitchen. Imagine a golden, crispy cheese topping giving way to soft, sauce-coated penne and a rich, meaty Bolognese bubbling underneath. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone gather round the table, eager to dig in straight from the oven.
The recipe, which originally featured on her television series Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts, combines accessible ingredients into something truly special. Using penne pasta, a robust sauce made with minced beef, chopped tomatoes, and a hint of redcurrant jelly, and a generous topping of both cheddar and Parmesan cheese, it turns simple components into an irresistible feast.
Mary Berry's Personal Endorsement
The culinary icon herself has heaped praise on this comforting creation. Dame Mary Berry said, "It's crispy brown on top, and underneath it will be soft with the sauce... I can't think of anything I'll enjoy more with family on a weekday than this wonderful pasta bake." Her endorsement underscores the dish's role as a reliable, joy-bringing staple for any household.
How to Make Mary Berry's Famous Bake
Gathering your equipment is the first step: you'll need a deep saucepan or frying pan, a lidded pot for cooking mushrooms, and a large shallow oven-proof dish.
For the rich Bolognese sauce, you will need:
- 675g minced beef
- 350-550ml beef stock
- 250g sliced chestnut mushrooms
- 400g chopped tomatoes (two cans)
- 2 chopped onions and 2 chopped celery sticks
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp each of Worcestershire sauce and redcurrant jelly
- 1 tbsp each of olive oil and butter for cooking
- 1 tbsp thyme, plus salt and pepper
For assembling the bake:
- 225g penne pasta
- 50g grated cheddar cheese
- 30g grated Parmesan cheese
Simple Step-by-Step Method
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Heat the oil in a deep pan and soften the onions and celery for about three minutes. Add the mince, breaking it up until browned, then stir in the garlic and tomato purée.
Next, mix in the Worcestershire sauce, chopped tomatoes, and redcurrant jelly. Pour in the beef stock, season, cover, and let it simmer gently for around 30 minutes. In a separate lidded pan, quickly cook the mushrooms in butter, then combine them with thyme into the finished sauce.
While the sauce simmers, boil the penne until tender, drain, and rinse. Fold the pasta into the Bolognese mixture, then transfer everything to your oven-proof dish. Sprinkle liberally with the mixed cheeses and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until gloriously golden and bubbling.
Serve it immediately, piping hot, for the ultimate comfort food experience that is sure to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation.
