Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel

bell peppers to make it even heartier, or swap the meat sauce for a vegetarian version.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, if preferred)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (preferably whole milk for a richer texture)
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for melting)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for flavor)

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors should meld together.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the sauces are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and half of the béchamel sauce. Stir until well combined.
3. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
4. Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. If you’d like an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
3. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal!

Why This Classic Pasta Casserole is a Must-Try:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: With its layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel, this casserole embodies everything comforting and delicious about classic home-cooked meals.
• Great for Feeding a Crowd: This casserole makes a generous amount, perfect for large families or gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that everyone will rave about.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes well for future meals.
• Rich and Satisfying: The rich, cheesy béchamel sauce adds a luxurious, smooth texture to the dish, while the meaty tomato sauce brings depth and heartiness.

Tips for the Best Classic Pasta Casserole:

• Use Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish. For extra flavor, try using a mixture of ground beef and sausage.
• Add Vegetables: To boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor, consider incorporating vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meat sauce.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley as a garnish adds a nice touch of brightness and flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.

Conclusion:

Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone at the table happy. With its rich layers of flavor, creamy sauces, and cheesy goodness, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite!