Description
A comforting dish of macaroni layered with a rich meat sauce and creamy béchamel, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g macaroni pasta
- 500g ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 400g canned tomatoes, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup grated cheese (mozzarella and parmesan)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, cooking until translucent, about 5 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant.
- Add the Meat: Crumble the ground beef into the skillet, cooking until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon, stirring well.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes together with their juices. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until a paste forms. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, layer half the macaroni, spread the meat sauce, pour half the béchamel, top with remaining macaroni and béchamel.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Notes
Let the béchamel sauce simmer gently and whisk continuously for a creamy texture. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Egyptian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Egyptian, Comfort Food, Pasta, Béchamel, Family Meals