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Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheesy béchamel sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta evenly.
Take a baking dish and layer the bottom with half of the cheesy pasta mixture, pressing down gently with a spatula to form an even layer.
Add a layer of the meat sauce on top of the pasta.
Repeat the layers, adding another layer of the cheesy pasta followed by the remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle the reserved 3 ounces (100g) of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a fresh side salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal.
A light sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil will enhance the flavors when serving.
Cooking Tips:
Prevent Lumpy Béchamel: Constant whisking while adding milk ensures a smooth and lump-free béchamel sauce.
Meat Substitute: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
Extra Cheesy: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for an extra cheesy flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
Protein-Rich: Ground beef and cheese provide a great source of protein.
Calcium Boost: The cheddar and béchamel sauce deliver calcium essential for bone health.
Comfort Food: This hearty dish is satisfying, providing energy with its balanced combination of carbs, fats, and proteins.
Dietary Information:
Vegetarian Alternative: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein substitute or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Storage Tips:
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