Spag Bol Muffins

Ingredients

Note: this recipe makes enough to freeze in 12 cups of our Dainty Dozen Silicone Freezer tray.

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 200g ground or minced lean beef or pork
• ½ brown onion
• ½ zucchini
• ½ carrot
• 200ml passata
• 1 tablespoon dried or fresh herbs of choice — Italian, oregano, basil
• 150g pasta (dry weight) — spaghetti, macaroni or penne
• 50g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 1 cup full cream cow’s milk
• ½ cup grated tasty cheese

Directions

1. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
2. Wash the vegetables under running water.
3. Roughly slice the onion, and grate the zucchini and carrot.
4. In a large pan, add the olive oil and onion. Cook the onion until slightly transparent (approximately 2–3 minutes).
5. Add the ground or minced meat to the pan. Cook until slightly browned (approximately 3–4 minutes).
6. Add the zucchini, carrot and passata to the pan and stir.
7. Allow to cook for 30 minutes, or longer to develop a richer flavour.
8. While the sauce is simmering, add the pasta to a pot of boiling water and cook as per the packet instructions.
9. To make the bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a small pot.
10. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until combined into a roux (the mixture will be quite thick).
11. Add the milk and continue to whisk.
12. Add half of the grated cheese.
13. Once the cheese is melted, the bechamel sauce is finished.
14. Stir the cooked pasta and bechamel through the meat sauce.
15. Spoon into the Dainty Dozen Silicone Freezer tray and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
16. Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C.
17. Ensure to check the temperature before serving to baby.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months in our Dainty Dozen Silicone Freezer tray. Reheat until steaming and allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Nutrition Notes

Beef or pork provides iron and protein to support growing bubs, while the pasta offers energy and the dairy adds calcium.

Parent Tip

This recipe makes a full dozen, so freeze a batch in the Dainty Dozen tray for quick meals and lunch boxes throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these dairy free?

Yes. Swap the butter, milk and cheese for plant-based alternatives to make a dairy-free bechamel.

Why are these suitable from 9 months?

The firmer, grab-able texture suits older babies who are more confident with finger foods.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely — spaghetti, macaroni or penne all work well, as do wheat-free pulse pastas.