Mince & Pasta Bake

This recipe is adapted from one in the NZ Beef & Lamb brochure. It is a really quick and easy mince dish and the cream cheese pasta topping is really yummy! Both the boys really enjoy this one.

450g lean minced beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 zucchini, chopped
150g mushrooms, sliced
400g can tomatoes in juice, chopped
2T tomato purée
1 tsp dried mixed herbs

For the topping:
225g dry pasta
200g cream cheese
150g grated cheese

In a large non-stick saucepan, dry fry the mince until browned. Meanwhile, boil the pasta. Add the onion, zucchini and mushrooms to the meat and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Place meat mixture in an ovenproof dish.
Drain the pasta and stir in the cream cheese and ½ the grated cheese. Place on top of the meat mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake at 200ºC for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.