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Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel

Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel

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  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, just until al dente. Drain the pasta, but save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use if needed. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

  1. Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour in the red wine, if desired, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

  1. Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Create the roux: Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste. Be sure to cook the flour thoroughly to remove any raw taste.
  3. Add the milk: Slowly add the warm milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Finish the béchamel: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. The sauce should be creamy and cheesy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Combine pasta and meat sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, making sure the pasta is well-coated.
  2. Layer the casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture. Pour half of the béchamel sauce over it and spread it out evenly. Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce.
  3. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Serve this comforting pasta casserole with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

  • Meat options: Feel free to swap the ground beef for other meats like Italian sausage, ground chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils or mushrooms.
  • Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  • Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
  • Extra cheese: For an even cheesier casserole, add an extra layer of cheese between the pasta and meat sauce layers or sprinkle more mozzarella on top before baking.

Conclusion

This Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The richness of the meat sauce complements the smooth and cheesy béchamel, while the pasta provides a satisfying base. It’s a dish that will please a crowd, and it’s hearty enough to enjoy on chilly nights when you’re craving something warm and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!