Creamy Baked Pasta Bechamel

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: soy milk

Almond milk is lower in calories while still providing creaminess.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: pasta made from rice

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while rice pasta is often less expensive.

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat; add minced meat, onion, garlic, and carrot; sauté until the meat is browned and vegetables are soft.

Stir in salt, black pepper, dried coriander, tomato paste, and water; simmer until the mixture thickens.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add flour and whisk until smooth for about 2 minutes.

Gradually add milk and broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in black pepper and cream cheese (if using) until melted and creamy.

Combine the meat filling with the cooked pasta in a large bowl; mix well to coat.

Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish; top generously with mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens