Name: Bechamel Pasta Bake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: For the pasta:; 600g penne pasta; Water; Salt; For the meat sauce:; 700g lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely diced; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1.5 teaspoons allspice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the béchamel sauce:; 1 cup flour; 1 cup butter; 1 liter milk (warm or room temperature); 1 chicken stock cube dissolved in 1 cup hot water (or use 1 cup chicken stock); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Bechamel Pasta Bake, also known as Macarona Bechamel, is a beloved Middle Eastern comfort food layered with pasta, spiced meat sauce, and a rich, creamy bechamel topping. Baked until golden and bubbling, this dish combines simple pantry ingredients to create a deeply satisfying and elegant meal. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you’re craving something cozy and hearty.

Bechamel Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and satisfying: Each bite combines creamy bechamel, flavorful meat, and tender pasta.
Comfort food at its best: Warm, baked, and cheesy—ideal for fall and winter dinners.
Family favorite: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready to serve.
Unique flavor: Aromatic spices like cinnamon and allspice elevate the dish.
Great for leftovers: Even better the next day.
Easy to scale: Double the recipe for larger gatherings.
Balanced meal: Includes protein, carbs, and dairy in every serving.
Middle Eastern twist: Adds an international flair to your dinner rotation.
Golden top: Broiled bechamel creates a beautiful, slightly crisp layer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pasta:

600g penne pasta
Water
Salt

For the meat sauce:

700g lean ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, finely diced
2 cups tomato sauce
1.5 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the bechamel sauce:

1 cup flour
1 cup butter
1 liter milk (room temp or slightly warmed)
1 chicken stock cube dissolved in 1 cup hot water, or 1 cup chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: Boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet.
- Add finely diced onion and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Make the bechamel sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 3–4 minutes while whisking continuously.
- Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Once incorporated, add chicken stock. Continue whisking for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds a line drawn with your finger.
Assemble the bake:
- Mix about 1 cup of the bechamel with the cooked pasta.
- In a large deep casserole dish, spread 1 tablespoon of bechamel on the bottom.
- Add half of the pasta, then all of the meat mixture in an even layer.
- Add the remaining pasta on top.
- Pour all remaining bechamel sauce over the pasta, smoothing it out to cover completely.
Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and broil for 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Rest and serve:
- Let the pasta bake rest for 15–20 minutes to set before slicing into pieces and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Cheesy top: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the bechamel before broiling.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the meat sauce for heat.
Vegetarian: Omit meat and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
Add egg yolks: For an even richer bechamel, whisk in 1–2 egg yolks after removing from heat.
Use different pasta: Try ziti, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni.
Lamb version: Use ground lamb for a more traditional Middle Eastern flavor.
Nutmeg addition: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the bechamel for a classic French touch.
Layered version: Create more pasta and meat layers for a lasagna-like effect.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Freezing:
Assemble the dish and freeze before baking (skip the broil step). When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight, bake covered, and broil as directed.

FAQs

What is Macarona Bechamel?

Macarona Bechamel is a baked pasta dish with layers of pasta, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, popular in Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Why did my bechamel turn lumpy?

Lumps can form if the milk is too cold or added too quickly. Always whisk continuously and use room temperature or warm milk.

Can I use store-bought bechamel?

Yes, though homemade is more flavorful. If using store-bought, ensure it’s thick enough to coat the top generously.

How do I know when the bechamel is thick enough?

It should coat the back of a spoon and hold a clean line when you drag your finger through it.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Penne or ziti are best because their hollow centers hold the sauce and meat well.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Is broiling necessary?

Broiling creates that golden, slightly crisp top layer. While optional, it adds great texture and presentation.

Can I skip the meat?

Yes, simply layer the pasta and bechamel without the meat, or add sautéed vegetables instead.

What side dishes go well with this?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair well with this rich dish.

Conclusion

Bechamel Pasta Bake (Macarona Bechamel) is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together layers of seasoned meat, tender pasta, and velvety bechamel sauce. Whether you’re introducing your family to Middle Eastern cuisine or making a cozy meal for the week, this dish is comforting, elegant, and guaranteed to impress.