Best with Cooked Beets

Creamy Pasta Bake with Beets & Smoked Ham

Prep Time: 20 min // Cook Time: 20 min Servings: 4

What to do

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook pasta according to packet instructions.  Drain and reserve.
  3. Set a heavy based saucepan over a low heat, sweet the onion in the butter for 10-15 minutes until it starts to soften.  Add the garlic and fry for a further minute before stirring through the flour.
  4. Pour in milk and cream and bring up to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened.  Simmer steadily for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour.
  5. Turn out the heat, stir through half the cheese, the ham and the chives.  Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Stir through the cooked pasts and beets and spoon into a baking dish.  Scatter over the rest of the cheese and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What you’ll Need

375g pasta in whichever shape you prefer (i.e. fusilli, penne, etc.)
1 onion, finely chopped
50g unsalted butter
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp plain flour
450ml milk
150ml double cream (or use extra milk for a less rich option)
150g gruyere or mature cheddar, torn into shreds
Small bunch of chives, snipped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
500g Cooked Beets (2 packs), cut into cubes