Description
Macaroni with Béchamel Sauce is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish layered with a velvety white sauce and often enriched with cheese and ground meat. Popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 250g (9 oz) ground beef or lamb (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, then add the ground meat (if using), salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cook until browned. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir in half the cheese and remove from heat.
- Combine the macaroni with the meat mixture (if using) and half of the béchamel sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Pour the remaining béchamel sauce evenly on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Use any pasta shape if elbow macaroni isn’t available.
- Top with extra cheese for a richer flavor and golden crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: macaroni with béchamel, baked pasta, creamy macaroni, Mediterranean pasta bake, white sauce pasta