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Air Fryer Bolognese and Noodle Bake With Cherry Tomatoes — Comfort Food Made Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz (225 g) dried short pasta or egg noodles (fusilli, penne, rotini, or wide egg noodles)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef/half pork)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes or passata
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (or unsweetened oat/almond milk)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef or vegetable broth (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)
  • Nonstick spray or a little oil for greasing the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until just shy of al dente (1–2 minutes less than package). Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Brown the meat: Add ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, milk, broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Prep the air fryer: Preheat to 360°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits your basket or tray.
  6. Combine in the dish: In a large bowl, mix noodles with the Bolognese. Fold in half the cherry tomatoes. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of broth or milk. Transfer to the greased dish.
  7. Top with cheese and tomatoes: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Scatter the remaining cherry tomatoes, cut side up, for a juicy, blistered finish.
  8. Air fry: Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 10–14 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 8 minutes.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let the bake sit 5 minutes to set. Finish with chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm.