Pastitsio

Pastitsio, often called Greek lasagna, has layers of cinnamon-spiced beef, penne, and a rich béchamel topping for the most amazing baked pasta dish the whole family will enjoy!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 556 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 pound dry ziti pasta
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 dash ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 whole clove
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth
• 0.25 cup tomato paste
• 0.5 cup dry red wine
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and golden brown on top, about 50 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Step 3

Make the meat sauce: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir gently until onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Increase heat and add ground beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, wine, broth, tomato paste, parsley, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and clove. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.

Step 4

Meanwhile prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.

Step 5

Pour melted butter, 1/4 cup grated cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper over pasta; toss well and cool briefly. Add 2 eggs and toss again; set aside.

Step 6

Make the béchamel: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cool slightly before stirring in 1 cup grated cheese, beaten egg, and egg yolk.

Step 7

Stir 1/2 cup of béchamel sauce into meat sauce.

Step 8

To assemble pastitsio: Arrange pasta in the bottom of the prepared baking dish so that all of the noodles are nicely lined up and are as level as possible for a great visual effect when serving. Spoon meat sauce over pasta; top with remaining béchamel sauce, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup grated cheese on top.