Lamb Keema Pasta Bake

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

   2 min hands-on9 min waiting

   • Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, following package instructions.
   • Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Cook the Ground Lamb

   7 min hands-on

   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Season the Lamb

   • Stir in cayenne pepper for spice.
   • Add a pinch of salt if desired and mix well.

4. Combine Pasta and Lamb

   1 min hands-on

   • Lower the heat to medium-low.
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the lamb mixture.

5. Incorporate Freshness

   2 min hands-on

   • Finely chop the cilantro leaves.
   • Stir half of the cilantro into the pasta and lamb mixture.

6. Melt the Cheese

   2 min waiting

   • Lay slices of cheddar cheese over the pasta and lamb mixture.
   • Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.

7. Garnish and Serve

   1 min hands-on

   • Remove from heat and sprinkle with remaining cilantro.
   • Garnish with sliced red chilies if desired and serve hot.
   • Cooking tips:
   • To achieve an al dente pasta texture, start checking the pasta for doneness 1-2 minutes before the cooking time suggested on the package.
   • Use a high-quality sharp cheddar for a creamy, tangy finish that pairs well with the spiced lamb.
   • For a spicier dish, increase the quantity of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
   • If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up before adding the cheese.