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Baked Penne with Bechamel and Meat Sauce

A comforting dish combining rich flavors and creamy textures, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Bechamel Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
For the Pasta
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt for seasoning the water

Method
 

Prepare the Meat Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and ground meat, cooking until browned. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces for even cooking.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Pasta
  1. While the meat sauce simmered, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Bechamel Sauce
  1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine and Assemble
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well to incorporate.
  3. Add half of the bechamel sauce to the pasta and meat mixture, stirring to combine.
Bake
  1. Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the remaining bechamel sauce over the first layer.
  2. Layer the rest of the pasta mixture on top. Finish with the remaining bechamel sauce.
  3. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve
  1. Let the baked penne rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
  2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Use quality ingredients like homemade tomato sauce. Experiment with different cheese types for variation. This dish can be prepared a day in advance.