Baked Pasta with Meat and Béchamel Sauce

Baked pasta with meat and béchamel sauce is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for family meals. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Baked Pasta with Meat and Béchamel Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated cheese (like Gruyère or mozzarella, optional for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
   • Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Add nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cheese (if using), stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Pour half of the béchamel sauce over it. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining béchamel.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Add Veggies: You can add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Topping: For a cheesy crust, sprinkle additional grated cheese on top before the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

This baked pasta is hearty and comforting—perfect for a family dinner or potluck! Enjoy!