Creamy Pasta Bake with Beetroot and Smoked Ham

Creamy Pasta Bake with Beetroot and Smoked Ham

By Love Beetroot
A simple one pot dish the whole family will enjoy.
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Time and servings

Total time
Servings
Prep time
Cooking time

Ingredients

11 total
  • 2 tbsp of plain flour
  • 500 g of cooked beetroot
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 50 g of unsalted butter
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 450 ml of milk
  • 150 g of mature cheddar, grated
  • 1 bunch of chives, snipped
  • 375 g of pasta, (any shape of your choice - penne and conchiglie work well)
  • 150 ml of double cream
  • 200 g of smoked ham, torn into shreds

Method

6 steps
  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 180°C.

  2. Step 2

    Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain and reserve.

  3. Step 3

    Set a heavy based saucepan over a low heat, sweat 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. Step 4

    Pour in milk and cream, and bring up to the boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Simmer steadily for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour.

  5. Step 5

    Turn out the heat, stir through half the cheese, the ham and chives. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

  6. Step 6

    Stir through the cooked pasta and beetroot and spoon into a baking dish. Scatter over the rest of the cheese and bake for about 20 mins golden brown and bubbling. Serve immediately, accompanied by a green salad.