Egyptian Macarona Bechamel is a beloved comfort food from the Middle East that combines layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce into a deliciously, satisfying dish. This meal is a staple in many Egyptian households and is often served during special occasions or large family gatherings. If you’re a fan of hearty, layered casseroles, this recipe is one you’ll want to add to your repertoire.
Let’s start by gathering your ingredients. There are 3 parts to this recipe: The pasta, the meat sauce and the showstopping bechamel sauce. I’ve outlined the ingredients you’ll need for each part below:
For the pasta:
- 4 quarts water
- 1 Tbs salt
- 16 oz penne pasta
For the meat sauce:
- 1 Tbs butter
- ½ onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
For the bechamel sauce:.
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups milk
Preparing the Pasta Base
The foundation of Egyptian Macarona Bechamel is, of course, the pasta. For this recipe, penne pasta works best as its tubular shape holds onto the sauces, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Plus, it holds its shape quite well after baking, making it easy to slice into. Start by bringing 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, adding a tablespoon of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Then, cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the meat sauce.
Crafting the Savory Meat Sauce
The meat sauce is the heart of this dish, providing a rich and robust flavor that perfectly complements the creamy béchamel. Begin by melting a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme, allowing the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Whisking Up the Perfect Béchamel Sauce
The creamy béchamel sauce is what sets Egyptian Macarona Bechamel apart from other pasta dishes. To make it, melt a cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk and whisk until the sauce is creamy and lump-free. Season with a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Assembling the Dish
With all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Start by mixing about 1 cup of the béchamel sauce with the cooked pasta to ensure it’s evenly coated. This step helps the pasta hold together when the dish is baked. Next, spread half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Then, evenly distribute the meat sauce over the pasta layer. Top with the remaining pasta, creating a delicious layered effect.
The Final Bechamel Layer
The last step before baking is to pour the remaining bechamel sauce over the top of the assembled pasta and meat layers. Use a spatula to spread the sauce evenly, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. This thick, creamy layer will form a golden crust as the dish bakes, adding flavor, texture and a unique aesthetic effect.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the Macarona Bechamel for 45 minutes. During this time, the bechamel sauce will thicken further and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The meat and pasta will also meld together, creating a cohesive dish that’s packed with flavor. Once done, allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing it into portions.
Serving up this Egyptian Macarona Bechamel!
Egyptian Macarona Bechamel is best served in generous slices, with each layer clearly visible. The combination of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Whether you’re new to Egyptian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe is a delicious way to experience the comforting flavors of the Mediterranean.
Try these savory Egyptian dishes next!
Egyptian Macarona Bechamel Recipe
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy12
servings30
minutes45
minutesEnjoy this classic Egyptian Macarona Bechamel recipe with layers of penne pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy béchamel. Perfect for hearty family meals.
Ingredients
- FOR PASTA
4 quarts water
1 Tbs salt
16 oz penne pasta
- FOR MEAT SAUCE
1 Tbs butter
½ onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
15 oz can tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp thyme
- FOR BECHAMEL SAUCE
1 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
4 cups milk
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- FOR PASTA: Add water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the salt and pasta. Stir well and cook until al dente. Set aside for now
- FOR MEAT SAUCE: Add butter to a large skillet and heat on medium. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant (3-5 minutes)
- Add the ground beef, mix and break apart. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat
- Add the tomato sauce and all the spices. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes
- FOR BECHAMEL SAUCE: In a separate large skillet, add butter and heat on medium. Add the flour a little bit at a time, whisking continuously until it forms a roux
- Add the salt and 2 cups of milk. Whisk until smooth. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk and whisk again until smooth
- ASSEMBLING: Mix about 1 cup of the bechamel sauce with the cooked pasta. Add half of the pasta to the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- Add all the meat mixture and spread evenly then cover with the remaining half of the pasta
- Top with the remaining bechamel sauce and spread evenly
- Bake for 45 minutes. Serve in slices and enjoy!
Notes
- Calories & Nutritional Info may vary based on different brands and ingredients used. Nutritional Info below was calculated using Very Fit Well’s Nutrition Calculator.
Nutrition Facts
12 servings per container
Calories483
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Fat
16.3g
26%
- Saturated Fat 7.7g 39%
- Cholesterol 59mg 20%
- Sodium 1750mg 73%
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Potassium 717mg 21%
- Total Carbohydrate
60.5g
21%
- Dietary Fiber 4.3g 18%
- Sugars 11.2g
- Protein 22.4g 45%
- Calcium 10%
- Iron 27%
- Vitamin D 26%
* 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.