Pastitsio

A classic pastitsio recipe is usually a layered Greek casserole of macaroni and seasoned ground lamb, topped with a thick cream sauce. This version substitutes beef in place of lamb.

• Preparation Time: 45 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins
• Calories: 430 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¾ cup water
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 3 pounds lean ground beef
• ¾ cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons ground allspice
• ground nutmeg to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 4 large eggs, well beaten
• 1 pound uncooked macaroni

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Prepare the meat layer: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in ground beef and cook until crumbly and no longer pink. Pour in water and tomato paste. Season with allspice, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, adjust salt to taste, then refrigerate until cold. Once cold, remove any congealed fat, thoroughly mix with eggs, and set aside.

Step 3

Prepare the macaroni layer: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Mix macaroni with eggs until well coated.

Step 4

Evenly spread 1/2 of the macaroni mixture into a 11x14x2-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with 1/2 of the melted butter. Spread the meat mixture overtop, then finish with remaining macaroni. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and melted butter.

Step 5

Make the cream sauce: Mix together eggs with half-and-half. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, flour, and salt until well blended.

Step 6

Pour the cream mixture evenly over top of the pastitsio and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Step 7

Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the top has turned golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving.