When it comes to a comfort meal that is both delicious and satisfying, pasta with bechamel sauce is hard to beat. This rich, creamy sauce, made from milk, butter, and flour, creates the creamiest and most velvety texture that perfectly coats the tender pasta. Bechamel, known as a mother sauce in both French and Italian cuisines, is a great base for many other dishes, adding flexibility and endless options. You can easily transform this dish by adding meat, chicken, shrimp, or even mixed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and peas, which not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutrition of the meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a family favorite that will satisfy everyone from toddlers to adults, this recipe is incredible. It’s the perfect balance of saucy, creamy, and filling, with layers of flavors marrying together as the dish bakes to a golden brown perfection. The addition of Italian herbs, like oregano, thyme, and basil, brings a lovely aroma to the dish, and the final product will leave you eating more than you planned. You can enjoy it as a vegetarian dish or serve it with seafood or meat for a hearty and satisfying treat.
Pasta with Bechamel Sauce Recipe-The Short Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you first try this pasta with bechamel sauce, you’ll be surprised by how delicious and satisfying it is. Imagine the tender pasta layered in a baking dish, smothered in a rich meat sauce made from ground beef, caramelized to perfection and mixed with a tomato sauce that brings a deep tomatoey flavor. Then, everything is topped with the creamy goodness of bechamel sauce, which bakes in the oven to form a golden brown crust. This dish has an ultimate combination of flavors that marry perfectly together, offering both comfort food and an exotic twist for your taste buds.
What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to make, despite how complicated it might look at first. With simple instructions, anyone can prepare this flavorful Egyptian recipe at home and serve it up as a main dish for the whole family. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with a crowd, this macarona bechamel will leave everyone at the dinner table happy. It’s a dish that pasta lovers will adore. The aromatic herbs like cinnamon and oregano add just the right amount of spices, making it the perfect recipe to enjoy on any occasion.
Ingredients
To make this delicious pasta with bechamel sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- Water (for cooking pasta)
- Salt (to taste, depending on your preference)
- Pasta: Penne, macarona, tubular, lasagna, or spaghetti (your choice)
- Package instructions (follow these for the best pasta texture)
For the pasta, I personally love using penne because its tubular shape holds the sauce wonderfully. However, you can use spaghetti, lasagna, or even macarona—whatever you have on hand or prefer. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions, and remember to season the water with salt so your pasta isn’t bland.
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil of your choice)
- 90 gms onion, diced and caramelized
- 600 grams ground beef (you can also use lean ground beef)
- 1 tsp black pepper (or white pepper for a milder flavor)
- Garlic: 2 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
- ¼ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Tomato base: tomato paste, tomato sauce, or passata
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp oregano
For the meat sauce, begin by heating 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan, then add 90 gms of onion and cook until it’s beautifully caramelized. The sweetness from the caramelized onion will blend perfectly with the savory flavors of the ground beef. Once browned, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add your tomato paste, tomato sauce, or passata, along with a pinch of ground cinnamon and oregano. Don’t forget to season with black pepper and sugar to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
For the Bechamel Sauce:
- Unsalted butter: 7½ tbsp (60 gms)
- All-purpose flour: 1½ tablespoons (for thickening)
- 500 ml whole milk (warm it slightly to prevent clumping)
- 120 ml chicken broth (or any broth of your choice)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Cheese: parmesan, cream cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar (optional, depending on your taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt (to taste)
For the bechamel sauce, start by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan. Add the all-purpose flour and cook for a couple of minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add the chicken broth and simmer until thickened. If you want a richer sauce, feel free to add heavy cream and a bit of your favorite cheese like parmesan or mozzarella. Season with black pepper, salt, and red chili flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped cilantro, parsley, or thyme (for a fresh, vibrant touch)
Once everything is prepared, garnish with some fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme for an added layer of freshness and color.
Pasta with Bechamel Sauce Recipe (Step by Step)
Preparing the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it al dente, following the package instructions closely. After the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. You can use your favorite type of pasta, but penne works beautifully in this dish.
Making the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, heat some olive oil or any cooking oil you prefer. Add diced onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Then, add ground beef to the pan. Let the beef caramelize by letting it sit without stirring for a few minutes, allowing it to develop a lovely beefy flavor and a rich brown crust. This process should take about 9 to 12 minutes. Once browned, break the beef apart and stir in the caramelized onions. Add garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and season with white pepper, black pepper, oregano, ground cinnamon, and a touch of sugar. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors before covering and setting it aside.
Making the Bechamel Sauce
Now, let’s make the creamy bechamel sauce. Start by melting butter in a Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add all-purpose flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth paste. Cook it for about a minute until it starts to bubble slightly. Gradually add warm milk and chicken broth in parts while continuing to whisk to prevent clumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Once thickened, test it by coating the back of a spoon — the sauce should stay separated when you run your finger through it. If you prefer a richer sauce, add some heavy cream or cheese to make it even creamier.
Assembling the Dish
For the final step, assemble the dish in a baking dish or casserole. Start by spreading a thin layer of bechamel sauce on the bottom to prevent the penne from sticking. Then, add a layer of pasta, followed by the meat sauce, and repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce. Spread the remaining bechamel sauce over the top, smoothing it with a spatula. Bake at 375 F (190 C) for about 40 to 45 minutes, then broil for an additional 15 minutes to get a beautifully browned top. Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for 10 to 15 minutes, and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Bechamel Pasta
Making the best bechamel pasta recipe isn’t difficult, but a few key tips can elevate the dish. First, for the sauce, always simmer the beef and allow the meat to reach perfect caramelization for enhanced flavors—this will add depth to your white sauce. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when making the bechamel, especially when adding flour to the melted butter to create the roux. Gradually add warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a bit more milk to reach your preferred texture; if it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer to set. When layering your pasta, use a firm texture like penne or fusilli to prevent it from becoming burnt or stuck. After baking, allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes covered with parchment or aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and make it easier to cut. Leftovers are a bonus! Store them in an airtight container or wrap the dish with plastic and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Remember, don’t add cold milk straight to the pan as it may cause splatter—always use warm milk to prevent this. If you like a little extra garlic flavor, feel free to add a teaspoon or even a tablespoon for a stronger taste. Lastly, for variety, try macaroni or spaghetti if you prefer, but I personally love the surface area and texture that macarona offers for the perfect bite.
Variations You Can Try
As a food explorer, I am trying my best to tell you all homemade recipes that you can enjoy at minimum cost and hygienic. I am giving you my other recipes which are related to Spice & Seasoning. Some other recipes are giving below:
Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe That Beats Store-Bought
Bold & Smoky Chili Seasoning Recipe From Scratch
How to Heat Up Alfredo Sauce Like a Pro Chef
Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe Everyone Is Copying
I hope you will visit all these recipes and enjoy my recipes because it will boosts your craze for homemade products. I also bet that when you try first time it will boost your taste and you will become addictive to these recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the Difference Between Alfredo and Bechamel Sauce?
Alfredo and bechamel are both delicious, creamy, white sauces, but they differ in ingredients and flavor. Alfredo is made with butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and pasta water, creating a rich and deep flavor. Some variations add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and a hint of Cajun spice. Bechamel, on the other hand, is made with butter, milk, and all-purpose flour, whisked to creamy perfection, offering a more mild flavor and serving as a blank canvas for different flavors.
What Spices and Herbs Are Typically Used to Season Bechamel Pasta Sauce?
When making bechamel sauce for pasta, the typical spices and herbs used to season it are salt, pepper, bay leaf, and sometimes a pinch of nutmeg. In Egyptian versions, many families add heavy cream, garlic, cheese, and either fresh herbs or dried herbs of their choice. Some also include a clove of garlic for extra flavor.
How to Make This Bechamel Pasta Recipe Ahead of Time? How Do I Meal Prep It?
To make this bechamel pasta recipe ahead of time, cook the meat sauce, boil the pasta, and prepare the bechamel sauce. Store each in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, assemble everything and bake it. Alternatively, you can assemble the dish in a baking dish, wrap it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just bake it when you want to eat. It’s an easy and best way to meal prep.
What is the Best Method for Storing and Reheating This Bechamel Pasta Recipe?
To store your bechamel pasta, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or wrap it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil over the casserole dish. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. For reheating, use the microwave for small portions, or heat a large portion in the oven until it’s heated through.
What Techniques Ensure a Lump-Free Bechamel Sauce?
To ensure a lump-free bechamel sauce, it’s important to whisk constantly. When adding all-purpose flour, don’t add it all at once to the melted butter. While pouring in the milk, do it in parts, and make sure the milk and chicken broth are warm to make the process easier. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency without lumps.
What is this Bechamel Pasta Recipe (Macarona Bechamel)?
Macarona bechamel is a traditional Egyptian pasta recipe made by layering pasta with caramelized ground beef in tomato sauce, topped with creamy and rich bechamel sauce. It’s baked in the oven until golden brown, creating a delicious and comforting dish. The flavors of meaty, tomatoey beef and al dente pasta blend with the creaminess of the bechamel, and some versions add cheese, heavy cream, or aromatic herbs. This dish is similar to lasagna and pastitsio, but it’s a unique Egyptian creation that’s perfect for cozy meals or special occasions.
