Recipe: Iron-Rich Lamb Pasta Bake

Recipe by Paediatric Nutritionist, Mandy Sacher

Dietary: EF, NF
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy
Age group: 8 months+
Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 20-25 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 110g Bellamy’s Organic Veggie Pasta Spirals
• 1 small brown onion (110g), peeled and quartered
• 2 garlic cloves (20g), peeled
• 1 stalk of celery (80g), rinsed and roughly chopped
• 1 medium carrot (120g), peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 small apple (120g), peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp (20ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 500g lamb mince
• 2 tsp (2g) dried oregano
• 1 tbsp (20ml) tomato paste
• 400g tomato passata
• 1 cup (60g) baby spinach, rinsed, roughly chopped
• 200g yellow cheese, grated

METHOD

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling water. Strain and place into a baking dish/casserole.
2. Place onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and apple into a food processor and process until finely chopped.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the onion veggie mix for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add lamb mince, oregano, and tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned, breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon.
5. Add passata and oregano, simmer for 5 minutes, then add spinach and cook for a further 3 minutes until wilted.
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high.
7. Add lamb veggie mixture to the pasta and stir to combine.
8. Top with cheese and cook under the grill for 4-5 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
9. Once cooled, serve the pasta mashed with small, soft pieces of lamb and veggies for easier chewing. For babies practising baby-led weaning, cut the bake into soft, manageable pieces or strips. Pair with steamed veggies or avocado for a balanced, nutritious meal.

STORING LEFTOVERS:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently before serving.

TIPS

For a Vegetarian Version:

• Swap the lamb mince for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.

Easy Ingredient Swaps:

• Swap lamb mince for beef or chicken mince for variety.
• For added greens, mix finely chopped kale or broccoli into the lamb mixture before baking.

For Fussy Eaters:

• Deconstruct this meal by serving pasta, veggie tomato sauce (finely pureed), cheese, and steamed vegetables separately to allow your child to explore each element.

bellamysorganic.com.au

@mandy_sacher

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