Baked Pasta with Béchamel and Minced Beef
Baked béchamel pasta is penne boiled halfway, layered with minced beef cooked in tomato and a classic béchamel sauce, topped with cheese and baked at 180°C for thirty minutes until the top is golden.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Total
- 28 min
- Calories
- 520
Photo: Sam Bailey — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
If you want a béchamel pasta that's easy, reliable and works for any occasion, this is it: the simplest version, step by step, with ingredients most kitchens already have.
الوصفة بالفيديو 2:23 min
Method
-
1
Boil the pasta
Bring a generous amount of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta for 7–8 minutes only — halfway. Drain it and rinse it under cold water.
⏱ 8 min -
2
The minced beef
In a pan over the heat, soften the onion in a little oil or butter. Add the mince and stir until it changes colour. Add the salt, pepper, spices and tomato paste. Keep stirring until the meat is fully cooked.
-
3
The béchamel
In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir until it turns pale gold — without letting it catch. Pour in the milk gradually, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Once it has cooled slightly, whisk in the egg if you're using it.
-
4
Layering
Grease a baking dish with a little oil or butter. Mix half the béchamel through the pasta. Put half the pasta into the dish. Add the minced beef layer. Add the rest of the pasta. Pour the remaining béchamel over the top and scatter over the grated cheese.
-
5
Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake for thirty minutes, or until the top is golden. Run the grill for the last five minutes if you want more colour.
🔥 180°C
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Tips that actually matter
- Choose a pasta shape that holds up to boiling without breaking.
- Add a hard cheese or cheddar for a stronger flavour.
- Plant milk and no meat gives you a fully vegetarian version.
- Béchamel pasta can be assembled a day ahead and reheated at serving time.
What is macaroni béchamel?
Macaroni béchamel is one of the best-known dishes in Egyptian cooking: layers of pasta and minced meat with a creamy béchamel sauce and a golden layer of cheese on top. It is a complete meal, suitable for entertaining or even for everyday eating.
🔑 Keywords: macaroni béchamel, macaroni béchamel with meat, macaroni béchamel recipe, how to make béchamel
Ways to serve macaroni béchamel
- A hearty lunch.
- A main dish for a dinner party or special occasion.
- A dish that freezes well (before baking).
Why is macaroni béchamel so popular?
- It’s easy to make.
- It tastes rich and creamy.
- It suits all ages.
- You can adapt the ingredients to whatever you have.
Do I have to put egg in the béchamel?
It’s not essential, but it gives a firmer set if you want to cut the tray into neat portions.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, you can add mushrooms, spinach or peas along with the meat.
That's baked béchamel pasta with minced beef, step by step — easy to make at home and every bit as good as a restaurant version.
Cook mode
Baked Pasta with Béchamel and Minced Beef
-
1
Boil the pasta
Bring a generous amount of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta for 7–8 minutes only — halfway. Drain it and rinse it under cold water.
-
2
The minced beef
In a pan over the heat, soften the onion in a little oil or butter. Add the mince and stir until it changes colour. Add the salt, pepper, spices and tomato paste. Keep stirring until the meat is fully cooked.
-
3
The béchamel
In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir until it turns pale gold — without letting it catch. Pour in the milk gradually, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Once it has cooled slightly, whisk in the egg if you're using it.
-
4
Layering
Grease a baking dish with a little oil or butter. Mix half the béchamel through the pasta. Put half the pasta into the dish. Add the minced beef layer. Add the rest of the pasta. Pour the remaining béchamel over the top and scatter over the grated cheese.
-
5
Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake for thirty minutes, or until the top is golden. Run the grill for the last five minutes if you want more colour.
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