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baked penne with bechamel sauce
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5 from 6 votes

Egyptian Macarona Bechamel

A classic Egyptian recipe, baked penne pasta is layered with penne noodles, spiced beef, and bechamel sauce browned to creamy perfection!
Prep Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: middle eastern
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Food Dolls

Ingredients

  • 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups whole milk + 1/4 cup warmed until hot
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt more or less to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 3/4 pound cooked penne pasta cooked al dente
  • 1 pound cooked ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, fresh garlic, cardamom, and a dash of cinnamon

Instructions

To make the béchamel sauce:

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the flour and then gradually whisk in the 6 cups of the hot milk. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in the seasonings. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
    12 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 6 cups whole milk, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl add the cooked penne pasta. Add 3 cups of the béchamel and 1/4 cup milk. Stir until the sauce coats all the pasta.
    3/4 pound cooked penne pasta
  • Add half the penne to a 13 x 9 buttered baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the ground beef on top, add remaining layer of penne and pour the bechamel sauce over it all. 
    1 pound cooked ground beef
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown (you want to keep an eye on it the last 10 minutes so the top doesn't burn). Let cool slightly.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 699mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 823IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 3mg