Baked Pasta with Bechamel Sauce (Macarona Bechamel)

What Is Macarona Bechamel?

Baked penne pasta, also referred to as Macrona Bechamel ( مكرونة بشاميل) is a classic Egyptian recipe that many kids grow up eating. There are many different variations, but it always contains spiced beef, pasta noodles, and creamy bechamel sauce. Similar to American macaroni and cheese or lasagna, it’s often served as a weeknight comfort food and is always a crowd-pleaser. This baked pasta version is closest to what we grew up eating, but we’ve also made macarona bechamel in one pot, too!

How to Make the Best Macarona Bechamel

1. Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles, and set them aside.

2. Cook the beef with spices until it is no longer pink.

3. Next, make your bechamel sauce. To do so, melt the butter in a saucepan, and whisk in the flour. Then, add in part of the warmed milk, and continue to whisk constantly until the ingredients are thick in creamy. Mix in the seasonings, and stir again. Remove the sauce from the heat, and let it sit and thicken for 10 minutes.

4. Preheat the oven to 375° Fahrenheit.

5. Add the cooked penne to a large bowl along with part of the bechael sauce and more warm milk. Stir until the noodles are well coated.

6. Layer half of the noodle mixture in a casserole dish. Sprinkle the ground beef on top, and pour the bechamel sauce over it all.

7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the sauce is golden and browned on top.

8. Let cool, and enjoy!