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Macarona Bechamel (Cheesy Baked Bechamel Pasta) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

Macarona Bechamel is a comforting Middle Eastern dish featuring macaroni pasta baked under a rich, creamy béchamel sauce layered with ground meat and cheese. This casserole-style recipe combines tender pasta with a savory meat sauce and a golden cheese topping, making it a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

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For the Meat Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 500 grams (1 pound) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

  • 400 grams (14 ounces) elbow macaroni or penne pasta
  • Salt for pasta water

For the Béchamel Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk, warmed
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or a mix of mozzarella and kasseri cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Stir in the tomato paste, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes on low heat to develop flavors. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes or as per package instructions. Drain and rinse with warm water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  3. Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to form a roux without browning. Gradually whisk in the warm milk ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta evenly, then spread the meat sauce over it. Pour the béchamel sauce on top, spreading it carefully to cover all. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the béchamel.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Let the Macarona Bechamel rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty main dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute the ground beef with ground lamb or a plant-based meat alternative for variation.
  • For a richer béchamel, you may add a beaten egg yolk into the sauce when slightly cooled, whisking quickly to combine before assembling.
  • Use kasseri or a mild white cheese traditionally used in Middle Eastern cooking for authentic flavor.
  • Adding a sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes to the meat sauce gives it a subtle mild heat.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness of the topping.

Keywords: Macarona Bechamel, Baked Pasta, Lebanese Macaroni, Bechamel Sauce Pasta, Middle Eastern Casserole, Cheesy Pasta Bake

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/macarona-bechamel-cheesy-baked-bechamel-pasta-recipe/