Béchamel Pasta Bake (Macarona Béchamel) on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Macarona Béchamel is an Egyptian classic pasta bake made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy béchamel sauce. This hearty dish is comfort food at its finest, offering rich flavors and a luxurious texture. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a subtle smokiness to the pasta bake, making it a unique, grilled twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb penne or elbow pasta (cooked al dente)
• 1 egg (for binding)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Light the Arteflame grill using three vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood stacked over them. Allow the grill to preheat for about 20 minutes. Use the flat cooktop to prepare the sauces and bake the dish once the grill reaches an even, moderate heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil on the outer flat cooktop. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned. Season with cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt the butter on the grill's cooktop or in a small skillet. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese if desired, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with half of the béchamel sauce and the beaten egg. In a grill-safe baking dish (cast iron or aluminum), spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with the meat sauce, then cover with the remaining pasta. Pour the rest of the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top for a golden crust.

Step 5: Grill the Pasta Bake

Place the dish on the outer flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Cover the dish with foil to help retain moisture and grill the pasta bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of grilling.

Step 6: Serve

Once the pasta bake is golden and cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips

• Al Dente Pasta: Make sure the pasta is slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook while grilling.
• Rich Béchamel: For a richer sauce, use half milk and half cream in the béchamel.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the béchamel for a warm, aromatic depth.

Variations

1. Spicy Macarona Béchamel: Add 1 tsp of chili flakes or ground cayenne pepper to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version.
3. Cheesy Béchamel: Stir shredded mozzarella or cheddar directly into the béchamel sauce for an even cheesier pasta bake.
4. Greek-Inspired: Use ground lamb instead of beef and add a touch of cinnamon to the meat sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
5. Creamy Pesto Béchamel: Add 2 tbsp of pesto to the béchamel for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Best Pairings

• Side Dishes: Pair with a simple Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or garlic bread.
• Drinks: Serve with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, or a cold lager to complement the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

This Béchamel Pasta Bake, also known as Macarona Béchamel, is a delicious, comforting dish with a unique twist from the Arteflame grill. The smoky flavor adds depth to the creamy béchamel and spiced meat sauce, creating a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.