Macarona Bechamel (Cheesy Baked Bechamel Pasta) Recipe

Introduction

Macarona Bechamel is a comforting baked pasta dish layered with flavorful ground chicken, creamy bechamel sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This cheesy casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 400 g macaroni penne pasta
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tsp garlic, chopped
• 100 g ground chicken
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp all spice (garam masala)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp capsicum, chopped
• For the Bechamel sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 liter milk
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1 pinch oregano

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the macaroni pasta in boiling water for about 8 minutes until it is 95% done. Drain and rinse under tap water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion until they change color. Add ground chicken and cook on high heat until the chicken is no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in paprika, garam masala, cinnamon powder, and salt. Cook on medium heat for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
4. Step 4: Add tomato paste and chopped capsicum, mix well, cover the pan, and cook on low to medium heat for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: To prepare the bechamel sauce, melt butter in a pan over low heat. Add flour and cook until it forms a nutty paste.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens smoothly. Season with salt and black pepper, then keep stirring for a few more minutes.
7. Step 7: Combine the cooked macaroni with the prepared chicken mixture.
8. Step 8: In a casserole dish, spread a layer of the macaroni and chicken mixture, then pour a layer of bechamel sauce on top. Repeat to create a second layer.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top layer, add some capsicum chunks for color, and finish with a pinch of oregano.
10. Step 10: Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Bake the assembled dish for 30 minutes. Then broil for 5 minutes to achieve a golden, roasted topping.
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven and let the dish settle for 5 minutes before cutting into cubes and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella topping.
• Substitute ground chicken with ground beef or turkey based on preference.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms or spinach to the chicken mixture for more vegetables.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover Macarona Bechamel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through to maintain the crispy top, or microwave if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?

Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well as substitutes if mozzarella is unavailable.

Macarona Bechamel (Cheesy Baked Bechamel Pasta) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 66 reviews

Macarona Bechamel is a delectable Middle Eastern-inspired baked pasta dish featuring tender macaroni mixed with flavorful spiced ground chicken, all enveloped in a creamy homemade bechamel sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal hearty meal for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meat Mixture

• 400 g Macaroni Penne Pasta
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp garlic, chopped
• 100 g ground chicken
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp all spice (garam masala)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp capsicum, chopped

Bechamel Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 liter (500 ml) milk
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Topping

• Mozzarella cheese, enough to cover (approx. 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded)
• 1 pinch oregano
• Few chunks of capsicum for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Macaroni Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the macaroni penne pasta. Cook for about 8 minutes over medium-high heat until the pasta is 95% cooked. Drain the pasta and rinse with tap water to release excess starch and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Chicken Mixture: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped garlic and onions until they turn translucent and slightly golden. Add ground chicken, cooking until it changes color. Stir in paprika, garam masala, cinnamon powder, and salt, cooking the spices for 1 to 2 minutes on medium heat to remove raw flavor. Mix in tomato paste thoroughly. Add capsicum chunks, cover the pan, and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes to cook flavors through.
3. Make Bechamel Sauce: In a separate pan over low heat, melt butter, then add the all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to brown the flour slightly, creating a nutty roux paste. Gradually whisk in milk to avoid lumps, stirring constantly to form a smooth thick sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking on low heat while whisking until sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Mix the cooked macaroni pasta with the prepared chicken mixture thoroughly.
5. Layer the Casserole: In a casserole or baking dish, spread a layer of the macaroni-chicken mixture, then pour a generous layer of bechamel sauce over it. Repeat layers if desired, finishing with a layer of bechamel on top.
6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer, scatter some capsicum chunks for color, and lightly sprinkle oregano for aroma and flavor.
7. Bake the Dish: Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. Place the assembled pasta dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. For a beautifully browned and roasted top, broil the dish for an additional 5 minutes at the end.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and allow the dish to settle for 5 minutes. Cut into cubes and serve warm for a rich and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Be sure to not overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue cooking during baking.
• Rinsing pasta after boiling helps reduce starch and prevents clumping.
• Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results.
• You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
• Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the bechamel sauce enhances its flavor.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Keywords: baked pasta, bechamel sauce, macaroni casserole, ground chicken, cheesy pasta bake, Macarona Bechamel