Rachs Put A Ring On It Pasta Bake Is A Showstopper Food

RACH'S "PUT A RING ON IT" PASTA BAKE IS A SHOWSTOPPER

Steps:

• Combine breadcrumbs with grated cheese and parsley
• Heat a pot of water to boil for pasta rings
• Heat a Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat
• Add EVOO, 3 turns of the pan, add carrots, celery, onions, garlic and partially cover the pot
• Sweat the vegetables 5 minutes, add beef and season with salt, pepper, fennel seed and red pepper flakes and brown lightly, crumble into fine pieces
• Add a glass of red wine and let it absorb fully
• Stir in passata and simmer at lowest heat 1 hour, then add peas and basil then simmer 10 minutes more
• Remove from heat to cool to room temperature
• Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions in salted water, drain and cool, then add to sauce
• Preheat oven to 400˚F
• Spray or brush a large bundt or springform pan liberally with EVOO or spray with non-aerosol OO spray, add breadcrumb mixture to coat liberally and gently press into place along sides and bottom, reserving extra crumb mixture
• Fill pan with half the pasta, then nest in diced ham and cheese, top with remaining pasta and top that with remaining breadcrumb mixture
• Bake pasta 25 to 30 minutes mid-oven to golden and hot through
• Let stand 10 minutes, then invert carefully on large cake stand or serving platter or cutting board

RANCH PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. , In a large bowl, mix Italian cheese blend, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, sour cream and salad dressing. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture. Fold in spinach. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Tear French bread into pieces; place in a food processor. Cover and pulse until crumbs form. Toss bread crumbs with oil, lemon zest, parsley, garlic salt and remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over pasta mixture., Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Uncover; bake until golden brown and bubbly, 5-10 minutes.