Back to Italian-inspired Comfort Food Recipes
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Bechamel Pasta Bake (Pasta Cake)
This comforting and kid-favorite Bechamel Pasta Bake, often referred to as a 'pasta cake', features delightful layers of perfectly cooked pasta, a rich ground meat sauce, and is generously topped with a thick, creamy layer of cheesy bechamel sauce. It's a dreamy, cheesy, and satisfying baked pasta dish perfect for a family meal.
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Creamy Bechamel Pasta Bake straight from the oven
Recipe Information
30m
Prep Time
1h
Cook Time
1h 30m
Total Time
6
Servings
Medium
Italian-inspired Comfort Food
English
Nutrition (per serving)
650
Calories
40g
Protein
60g
Carbs
25g
Fat
Layered pasta with rich meat sauce
Ingredients
Servings: 6
💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Close-up of the bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping
Instructions
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- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.10m
Preview10mPreviewCook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.5m
Preview5mPreviewIn a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Add the ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.8m
Preview8mPreviewAdd the ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat. - Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Keep warm.20m
Preview20mPreviewStir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Keep warm. - While the meat sauce simmers, prepare the bechamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.2m
Preview2mPreviewWhile the meat sauce simmers, prepare the bechamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. - Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.8mPreview8mPreviewGradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.2m
Preview2mPreviewPreheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish. - Spread half of the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish. Top with the ground meat sauce, spreading it evenly. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.5m
Preview5mPreviewSpread half of the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish. Top with the ground meat sauce, spreading it evenly. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. - Add the remaining pasta over the cheese layer. Pour the creamy bechamel sauce evenly over the pasta, ensuring it covers everything.3m
Preview3mPreviewAdd the remaining pasta over the cheese layer. Pour the creamy bechamel sauce evenly over the pasta, ensuring it covers everything. - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.25mPreview25mPreviewBake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!