My mother-in-law made this pasta for every wedding party, and people still ask for the recipe

Macarona Bechamel Recipe

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–40 minutes
• Servings: 6 to 8 servings

The Ultimate Comfort Food

Macarona Bechamel is one of the most beloved classic comfort foods in Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Featuring layers of tender penne pasta, a richly seasoned ground beef filling, and a thick, creamy béchamel sauce, this dish is a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners.

While it looks impressive and tastes indulgent, preparing it at home is straightforward when broken down step by step. Here is a simple step by step recipe to help you make delicious, well set slices at home.

Ingredients

1. The Pasta

• 500g penne pasta

2. The Meat Filling

• 500g ground beef
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice or mixed spices

3. The Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Avoid overcooking the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse it with cold water.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Heat the butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
3. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, and allspice.
5. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the juices have evaporated. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes to cook the flour.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from the heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Mix a couple of ladles of the prepared béchamel sauce directly into the cooked pasta to help bind it together.
3. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce over the bottom.
4. Add half of the pasta mixture and spread it evenly.
5. Spoon the cooked ground beef evenly over the pasta layer.
6. Add the remaining pasta on top of the meat.
7. Pour the remaining béchamel sauce evenly over the top, making sure the pasta is completely covered.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
2. Let the macarona béchamel cool for 15–20 minutes before cutting it into squares. This helps the slices hold their shape when served.