Macaroni Béchamel

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.