How to Make Macarona Bechamel (Bechamel Pasta Bake)

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner and healthier, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

bechamel sauce

🥗Healthier: cauliflower puree

💰Cheaper: white sauce made with cornstarch

Cauliflower puree reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option that adds flavor.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion, and sauté until translucent.

Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet, cooking until the beef is browned.

Stir in tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves; simmer for 10 minutes.

Prepare bechamel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour until smooth.

Gradually add milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking continuously until thickened.

Season the bechamel with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste.

Combine cooked macaroni with the beef mixture and half of the bechamel sauce; mix well.

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and spread the remaining bechamel on top.

Sprinkle cheese over the bechamel layer, then bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens