Halloween pasta bake with beetroot and smoked ham r

Name: Halloween pasta bake with beetroot and smoked ham recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 375 g (13.2oz) dried pasta shapes, e.g. conchiglie, fusilli or penne; 1 onion, finely chopped; 50 g (1.8oz) unsalted butter; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 2 tbsp plain flour; 450 ml (15.8fl oz) milk; 150 ml (5.3fl oz) double cream (or use extra milk for a less rich option); 150 g (5.3oz) gruyere or mature cheddar, grated; 200 g (7.1oz) piece smoked ham, torn into shreds; 1 small bunch chives, snipped; 1 pinch salt & freshly ground black pepper; 500 g (17.6oz) cooked beetroot (2 packs), cut into 1cm cubes

Servings: persons

375 g (13.2oz) dried pasta shapes, e.g. conchiglie, fusilli or penne
1 onion, finely chopped
50 g (1.8oz) unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tbsp plain flour
450 ml (15.8fl oz) milk
150 ml (5.3fl oz) double cream (or use extra milk for a less rich option)
150 g (5.3oz) gruyere or mature cheddar, grated
200 g (7.1oz) piece smoked ham, torn into shreds
1 small bunch chives, snipped
1 pinch salt & freshly ground black pepper
500 g (17.6oz) cooked beetroot (2 packs), cut into 1cm cubes

1
Preheat the oven to 180C.
2
Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
3
Drain and reserve.
4
Set a heavy based saucepan over a low heat, sweat the onion in the butter for 10-15 minutes until it starts to soften.
5
Add the garlic and fry for a further minute before stirring through the flour.
6
Pour in milk and cream, and bring up to the boil, stirring constantly until thickened.
7
Simmer steadily for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour.
8
Turn out the heat, stir through half the cheese, the ham and chives.
9
Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
10
Stir through the cooked pasta and beetroot and spoon into a baking dish.
11
Scatter over the rest of the cheese and bake for about 20 mins golden brown and bubbling.
12
Serve immediately, accompanied by a green salad.

914

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 375 g (13.2oz) dried pasta shapes, e.g. conchiglie, fusilli or penne, 1 onion, finely chopped, 50 g (1.8oz) unsalted butter, 1 clove garlic, crushed, and more.

Yes, Halloween pasta bake with beetroot and smoked ham recipe falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Halloween pasta bake with beetroot and smoked ham recipe

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions