Baked Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Bechamel

Baked Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Bechamel

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 500g ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Bechamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• Nutmeg (a pinch)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta Layer:

• 300g ziti, penne, or any tube pasta
• 1 egg (optional, to bind the pasta layer)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping:

• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella or a blend of cheeses

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onions until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and mix with a bit of olive oil. Optionally, mix with an egg and Parmesan for better binding.
3. Make the Bechamel Sauce:
   • Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens.
   • Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • In a baking dish, layer as follows:
     1. Cooked pasta (spread evenly).
     2. Meat sauce.
     3. Bechamel sauce.
5. Top with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheese blend on top for a golden crust.
6. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Let the dish cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your hearty baked pasta dish! Let me know if you’d like variations or additional tips!