This comforting pasta casserole is a perfect combination of rich, savory meat sauce layered with cheesy béchamel-covered pasta. It’s easy to prepare and makes an ideal meal to enjoy with your family and friends.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (250g) pasta
- A pinch of salt
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 16 oz (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 oz (60g) butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 14 fl oz (400ml) milk
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 10 oz (300g) cheddar cheese, grated (reserve 3 oz/100g for topping)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Season with black pepper and nutmeg. Stir in 7 oz (200g) of grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the béchamel sauce. Layer half of the pasta in a greased baking dish, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers and top with the reserved 3 oz (100g) of cheddar cheese.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh side salad and garlic bread.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a light red wine for a delicious dinner.
Cooking Tips:
- Constantly whisk the béchamel sauce to prevent lumps.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase nutrition.
- Mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for a richer flavor.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein: Ground beef and cheddar cheese provide a great source of protein.
- Calcium: The cheese and béchamel sauce are rich in calcium, which is essential for bone health.
- Balanced Meal: A good mix of carbs, fats, and protein makes this a hearty, energy-rich meal.
Dietary Information:
- Nut-Free: Naturally free of nuts.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the meat for plant-based proteins or vegetables.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for the béchamel sauce to make it gluten-free.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hearty and comforting: Perfect for cozy family dinners.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap the meat for a plant-based alternative.
- Make ahead: Prepare in advance for an easy weeknight meal.
- Kid-friendly: A cheesy, delicious meal the whole family will love.
- Versatile: Enjoy for dinner, leftovers, or even meal prep for the week.
Conclusion:
This pasta casserole with rich meat sauce and cheesy béchamel is a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With layers of creamy pasta and savory beef, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Whether you make it with ground beef or customize it with veggies, this recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover. Give it a go, and it’s bound to become one of your favorites!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, prepare and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I substitute for cheddar cheese? Use mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the béchamel.
- How do I make the sauce less thick? Add a splash of milk to thin the béchamel to your desired consistency.