Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a combination)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup red wine (optional)
For the Pasta:
1 lb (450g) ziti pasta or penne
Salt, for the pasta water
For the Béchamel Sauce:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large egg, beaten
Execution
Cook the Pasta:
-Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
-Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce:
-In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
-Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
-Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
-Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, cinnamon, and allspice.
-Season with salt and pepper, and add the red wine (if using). Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
-In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
-Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to make a roux.
-Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
-Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
-Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
-Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then whisk in the beaten egg until smooth.
Assemble the Pastitsio:
-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta at the bottom.
-Spread the meat sauce over the pasta.
-Top with the remaining pasta.
-Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire dish.
Bake:
-Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
-Let the pastitsio cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Additional tips
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese: You can add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese for extra meltiness in the béchamel sauce.
- Meat Variations: You can also use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of pastitsio.
- Make Ahead: Pastitsio can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the dish, then refrigerate or freeze it until ready to bake.
