Getting started with this 6 Layer Macarona is simple and fun, beginning with preheating your oven to 375ºF and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. First, cook 14 ounces of penne pasta according to the package directions, but stop 2 minutes early so it’s just shy of al dente, then drain it without rinsing to keep that perfect texture.

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped yellow onion with a pinch of salt for 7-9 minutes until it softens. Add the 10 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 45-60 seconds until fragrant. Then, add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s fully browned.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 20-40 seconds to deepen the flavor, followed by 1 cup of tomato passata or sauce, 1 crumbled beef bouillon cube, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice, and ¼ cup water. Let this simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens into a rich meat sauce.

For the bechamel sauce, melt 6 tablespoons of butter with 1 bay leaf over medium heat, then whisk in 6 tablespoons of flour and cook for 45-60 seconds. Add another crumbled beef bouillon cube, and gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of half and half. Season with ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg, ½ teaspoon white pepper, and a bit more kosher salt, then simmer while whisking for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in half of the 1½ cups mozzarella cheese.

Now for layering: Start by spreading one-quarter of the bechamel sauce mixed with the cooked pasta at the bottom of your dish. Add the meat sauce over the pasta layer, then top with the remaining bechamel sauce and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 45 minutes, remove the foil, and bake for another 15 minutes. Finish by broiling until it’s bubbly and golden, then let it stand for 15 minutes and cool for 40-45 minutes before slicing. This step-by-step ensures even cooking and the best flavors, perfect for home cooks and busy parents alike.