Simply by Maha
DinnerEasy

Macaroni Béchamel

A comforting classic made with layers of creamy béchamel-coated penne, rich seasoned meat sauce, and a golden cheesy top. It’s cozy, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Prep: 40 min
Cook: 60 min
Total: 100 min
Serves 6
bechamelpastameatsaucecheese
Macaroni Béchamel

Ingredients(serves 6)

  • Meat Sauce

  • 1/2 white onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp garlic
  • 1/2 kg ground beef
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • Béchamel Sauce

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups warm whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Dash of nutmeg

  • Others

  • Penne Pasta
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat sauce
    In a large pan over medium heat, cook the diced onion until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  2. Season the meat sauce
    Stir in the tomato paste and tomato puree. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer until thickened and flavorful. Set aside.
  3. Boil the pasta
    Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  4. Make the béchamel sauce
    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and a dash of nutmeg.
  5. Combine the pasta and béchamel
    Add the boiled penne pasta to the béchamel sauce and mix until all the pasta is fully coated.
  6. Assemble the macaroni béchamel
    Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a baking dish, spread half of the béchamel pasta mixture as the first layer. Add the meat sauce evenly on top. Finish with the remaining béchamel pasta mixture.
  7. Add the cheese
    Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Bake
    Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Serve
    Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

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