Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon as it cooks.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

3. Make the Cheesy Béchamel Sauce:

• In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux (a paste).
• Gradually pour in the warmed milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Once thickened, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
• Pour the pasta and meat sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Pour the cheesy béchamel sauce evenly over the top of the pasta and meat sauce, spreading it out with a spatula to cover the surface.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish when baked.

5. Bake the Casserole:

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
• If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.

Why You’ll Love Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel:

1. Comforting and Satisfying: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese makes for a filling meal that warms the soul.
2. Great for Feeding a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this casserole can easily feed a group of people. You can even double the recipe and freeze one for later!
3. Versatile and Customizable: You can switch up the meat, use different pasta shapes, or even add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own. You can also use ricotta cheese in the béchamel for a creamier texture.
4. Make-Ahead Meal: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
5. A Crowd-Pleaser: The cheesy, saucy layers make this casserole a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to be requested again and again.

Tips for the Perfect Pasta Casserole:

• Use Whole Milk for the Béchamel: Using whole milk will make the béchamel sauce richer and creamier. For a lighter option, you can substitute with 2% milk, but the texture won’t be quite as creamy.
• Add Extra Veggies: To make the dish even more nutritious, consider adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will cook further in the oven, make sure you cook it just until al dente. Overcooking the pasta beforehand will result in a mushy texture after baking.
• Layer the Sauce: For an even distribution of flavor, you can alternate layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel before topping with cheese. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Conclusion:

Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich and savory ingredients into one delicious dish. The layers of perfectly seasoned meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese create a satisfying, indulgent meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a meal for the family, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe in your cooking repertoire.

So, next time you’re looking for a cozy, filling meal, give this classic pasta casserole a try. You won’t be disappointed!