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**Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel: A Comforting Family Favorite**
When it comes to comforting, hearty meals, few dishes are as satisfying as a **Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel**. This recipe takes the best elements of Italian-American cuisine—rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and pasta—and combines them in a way that is both filling and indulgent. With layers of flavor and a perfect balance of textures, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.
Whether you’re feeding a large family, hosting a cozy gathering, or prepping for meal prep, this casserole delivers on both taste and convenience. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it the ultimate comfort food dish.
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### **Why You’ll Love Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel**
This casserole brings together the best of both worlds—**savory meat sauce** and **rich béchamel sauce**—to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The **meat sauce** adds hearty, umami-rich flavors, while the **béchamel sauce** introduces a creamy, cheesy element that ties everything together.
The dish is also highly versatile. You can switch up the type of meat, add vegetables, or even change the cheese to suit your preferences. It’s a dish that’s easy to make ahead of time, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples and transform them into something truly special.
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### **Ingredients for Classic Pasta Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheesy Béchamel**
To make this comforting casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
#### **For the Meat Sauce**:
– 1 lb (450g) **ground beef** (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
– 1 medium **onion**, finely chopped
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) **diced tomatoes**
– 1 can (6 oz) **tomato paste**
– 1 tablespoon **tomato paste**
– 1 teaspoon **dried oregano**
– 1 teaspoon **dried basil**
– 1/2 teaspoon **salt**
– 1/4 teaspoon **black pepper**
– 1/4 teaspoon **red pepper flakes** (optional, for a little heat)
– 1/2 cup **red wine** (optional, but adds depth to the sauce)
– 1/4 cup **water** or **broth**
#### **For the Cheesy Béchamel**:
– 4 tablespoons **unsalted butter**
– 4 tablespoons **all-purpose flour**
– 2 cups **whole milk**
– 1/2 cup **heavy cream** (optional, for extra richness)
– 1 ½ cups **shredded mozzarella cheese**
– 1/2 cup **Parmesan cheese**
– Pinch of **salt** and **pepper**
– 1/4 teaspoon **ground nutmeg** (optional, for flavor depth)
#### **For the Pasta**:
– 1 lb (450g) **penne pasta** (or any pasta shape you prefer)
– Salt (for pasta water)
**For Assembling**:
– 1/2 cup **shredded mozzarella cheese** (for topping)
– 1/4 cup **Parmesan cheese** (for topping)
– Fresh **parsley** or **basil** for garnish (optional)
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