Egyptian Macaroni Bechamel

Dive into the comforting layers of Egyptian Macaroni Bechamel, a beloved Middle Eastern casserole that combines tender penne pasta, savory spiced ground beef, and a rich, velvety béchamel sauce baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish is elevated with warm hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, bringing unique depth to every bite. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its creamy texture and satisfying flavors make it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Quick to prep and baked as a one-dish wonder, Egyptian Macaroni Bechamel is a must-try recipe that captures the essence of Egyptian home cooking. Serve it fresh out of the oven for a cozy, indulgent meal everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 500 grams ground beef
• 1 medium (finely chopped) onion
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 750 milliliters milk
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes to combine flavors. Set the beef mixture aside.

Step 7

To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.

Step 8

Gradually pour in the milk while stirring or whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.

Step 9

Season the béchamel sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and the nutmeg. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 10

Beat the egg in a bowl, then slowly whisk it into the cooled béchamel sauce to help bind the dish together.

Step 11

In a greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom. Top with the beef mixture, spreading it out in an even layer. Add the remaining pasta on top.

Step 12

Pour the béchamel sauce over the top layer of pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed and completely covers the dish.

Step 13

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 14

Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into squares or wedges to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2048.6 grams (2048.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3898

Total Fat 193.20g	248%
Saturated Fat 76.70g	384%
Polyunsaturated Fat 20.70g
Cholesterol 775mg	258%
Sodium 5783mg	251%
Total Carbohydrate 379.60g	138%
Dietary Fiber 20.30g	73%
Total Sugars 49.50g
Protein 174.20g	348%

Vitamin D 403IU	2016%
Calcium 1133mg	87%
Iron 27mg	149%
Potassium 3961mg	84%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.0%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 38.4%