Composite parts and methods for making the same are disclosed. A composite part may include an internal insert component that is coated on at least a portion of its surface with certain types of particles, an external part component cast around the coated insert, and a particle-rich region that is formed between the two components, where the particle-rich region includes particles from the coated insert. A method for producing a composite part may include the steps of: positioning an internal insert component that is coated on at least a portion of its surface within a mold cavity of a casting die; casting a molten material of the external part component around the coated insert; and solidifying the molten material to form the external part component of the composite part.