Hearty Autumn Dish from the Fire
When the evenings get cooler and the smell of wood smoke is in the air, it's the perfect time for a warming Dutch Oven dish. This pumpkin pasta casserole combines autumnal sweetness, savory minced meat, and creamy sauce to create true outdoor comfort food.
The best part: The pasta cooks directly in the Dutch Oven, absorbing the full flavor of broth, pumpkin, and spices. Little effort, maximum taste.
Ingredients (for approx. 4–6 servings)
- 2 onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ½ Hokkaido pumpkin (approx. 800 g, diced)
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- ½ bunch of parsley
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 400 g mixed minced meat
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (double concentrated)
- 600 ml vegetable broth
- 200 ml water
- 200 ml cream
- 400 g fusilli (uncooked)
- 100–150 g grated Gouda
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg to taste
(Note: Hokkaido doesn't need to be peeled – that saves time.)
Preparation in the Dutch Oven
1. Preparation
Cut pumpkin into approx. 2 cm cubes.
Finely chop onions, garlic, rosemary, and parsley.
Preheat the Dutch Oven – ideally with moderate bottom heat.
2. Sauté minced meat & vegetables
Heat oil in the Dutch Oven.
Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
Add minced meat and brown well until crumbly.
Stir in tomato paste and roast for 1–2 minutes.
Add pumpkin cubes and rosemary and fry for about 5 minutes.
3. Liquid & pasta
Pour in broth and water.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Simmer with the lid closed for about 10 minutes until the pumpkin is almost tender.
Now add the uncooked pasta and the cream.
Stir well.
Cook over medium heat for another 12–15 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
👉 Important: Stir occasionally so that nothing sticks to the bottom.
If necessary, add a little hot water or broth.
4. Gratinate
When the pasta is almost cooked, sprinkle cheese evenly over it.
Now:
- Reduce bottom heat slightly
- Add more heat to the lid (place briquettes on top)
Gratinate for approx. 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy directly from the Dutch Oven.
Result
Creamy pasta, tender pumpkin, savory minced meat and a golden cheese crust – just right for cool evenings by the fire.
Many thanks to kue_grill for the inspiration!
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