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RECIPES

Baked Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Bechamel

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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

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