Russian Weeknight Pasta Bake
A hearty, comforting pasta bake perfect for a weeknight dinner. Filled with flavorful ground beef and topped with a creamy bechamel sauce.
Ingredients
- ●1 pound ground beef
- ●8 ounces pastapenne or fusilli work well
- ●1 1/2 cups bechamel sauce
- ●2 cups milk
- ●4 tablespoons butter
- ●1 medium onionchopped
- ●2 cloves garlicminced
- ●to taste salt
- ●to taste black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- 4
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- 5
Stir in the bechamel sauce and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
- 6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 7
Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with the remaining bechamel sauce.
- 8
Dot the top of the pasta with the butter.
- 9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 10
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- 11
Serve hot and enjoy!