Béchamel Pasta with Ground Beef

Ingredients

• 1 package pasta, 500 g - shape of your choice
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese for the top
• Meat layer:
• 300 g ground beef
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp seven-spice
• 1/4 tbsp ginger
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 cup water
• Béchamel sauce
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 cups liquid milk
• 2 tbsp cream cheese or cheese triangles - optional
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp chicken bouillon seasoning
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. First, cook the pasta in salted water, then drain it and set it aside while preparing the other layers.
2. To prepare the béchamel sauce
3. Place the flour in a pot over the heat and stir for 2 minutes, then add the butter and stir until combined.
   Timers: 2 min
4. Add the milk, stirring constantly, then add the spices, salt, and cheese. Continue stirring until you get a thick custard-like mixture.
5. To prepare the meat layer or sauce
6. In a pan over the heat, cook the ground beef with the oil until it changes color and the liquid has evaporated.
7. Add the onion, garlic, spices, salt, and tomato paste, and stir until softened.
8. Add the cup of water and let it boil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
   Timers: 5 min
9. Final step
10. In the bottom of a baking dish or Pyrex, place two-thirds of the cooked pasta, then add one-quarter of the béchamel and mix.
11. Add the meat layer and spread it evenly, then add the remaining pasta over the meat layer.
12. Spread the béchamel sauce over the pasta, then finally the grated cheese on top.
13. Turn on the oven and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes from the bottom, then brown the cheese from the top.
    Timers: 15 min
14. Note: If the béchamel sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or milk, because the dish will go into the oven and the béchamel will set more there.
15. Try Potato and Cheese Balls by Ruwaida as well
16. Try also Fettuccine with Chicken and Mushrooms
17. Get the guaranteed method for making Homemade Cream Cheese