Pasta Cheesy Casserole #299

Pasta Cheesy Casserole #299

INGREDIENTS:

Beef Mixture:

380g minced beef

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

200g canned tomato

3 tbsp oil

2 tsp Italian seasoning mix

1/2 tsp black pepper, crushed

3/4 tsp salt or to taste

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 tbsp ketchup,

optional

1/2 tsp red chili crushed

Penne Pasta:

500g penne pasta

boiling the water then add

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp oil

Make the Bechamel Sauce:

50g unsalted butter

50g cheddar cheese, grated

1/4 tsp salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp plain flour

1 cup milk

Garnish:

Dried basil leaves

Mozzarella cheese, shredded (as needed)

 

DIRECTIONS:

Pasta Preparation:

Cook the pasta in boiling water then adds salt and oil. Mix well.

Cook for 13 minutes or as written in the instructions.

Drain water.

Beef Mixture:

In a wok or pan heat oil.

Add garlic and fry for 1 minute on medium heat.

Add chopped onion and fry until soft.

Add salt and black pepper. Mix well.

Add minced beef. Stir and cook well for 5 minutes or until it turns into a brown color.

Add Italian seasoning mix and canned tomato. Mix well.

Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15-17 minutes.

After that remove lid. Turn heat to high and fry for 5 minutes.

Add parmesan cheese and red chili flakes.

Taste and if needed add more salt, Italian seasoning, and ketchup.

Turn off heat and set aside.

next turn on the oven. preheat the oven at 355F 

Bechamel Sauce Preparation:

In a small pan heat butter until melted.

Add flour and mix well until there are no lumps.

Add salt and black pepper. Mix well.

Pour milk and grated cheddar cheese. Mix until all cheese is melted and it turns into a thick consistency.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble:

With the help of a spatula mix well-cooked pasta and beef mixture.

In a large casserole or deep vessel spread a layer of bechamel sauce.

Add half of the pasta/beef mixture.

Add more bechamel sauce then place on top some grated mozzarella cheese.

Then layer it with the rest of the pasta, bechamel sauce, and more grated mozzarella cheese.

Lastly, sprinkle some dried basil leaves.

Bake in preheated oven at 355F / 180°C for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.

Serve warm!