Ingredients:
• 500g beef mince
• 500g pork mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely grated
• 2 celery stalks, finely grated
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 300g pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni)
• 200g freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Start by cooking your pasta according to the instructions on the packet, then rinse under cold water and set aside.
3. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and a pinch of salt and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
4. Add the beef mince and pork mince and cook, stirring continuously to break up any lumps, for 10-15 minutes until the meat is browned.
5. Add the tomato paste and stir for 1-2 minutes, until the meat is coated and the paste has started to darken in colour.
6. Add the wine and stir for a few minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
7. Add the carrots, celery, chopped tomatoes, sugar and seasoning to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
8. Turn down the heat and let the mixture simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
9. In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked pasta and half of the grated parmesan.
10. Spread half of the tomato and meat sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
11. Place the pasta mixture on top of the sauce and then spread the remaining sauce on top of the pasta.
12. Finally, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Remove the from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Pasticcio Ferrarese is a classic Italian dish that provides a comforting meal for a family or group of friends. Similar to a lasagna, it combines a variety of ingredients to create a hearty and flavourful dish. This pasta bake is great for serving a large group of people or as leftovers.
In conclusion, this Pasticcio Ferrarese recipe is relatively easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Be sure to prepare in advance to ensure that all the ingredients are readily available and start cooking for a few hours before you intend serving the dish to give ample time for cooking. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants a genuine Italian pasta experience.