Pastitsio
"A Greek pasta dish of penne pasta, ground beef (or lamb if preferred) in tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, topped with Bechamel sauce; then baked."
Serves 12 | Prep Time 45 minutes | Cook Time 45-50 minute bake timeWhy I Love This Recipe
I have enjoyed the close friendship of a lady whose family immigrated from Greece. My late husband and I became acquainted with Greek cuisine at their home and she generously shared many of her recipes. I hope you enjoy this one.
Ingredients You'll Need
1 lb GF penne pasta
2 T. butter, melted
1 c. grated parmesan
1 1/2 lbs. grass fed ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 - 15 oz. tomato sauce
1/2 t. sea salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 c. shredded parmesan, divided
Béchamel sauce:
1 stick butter, cut up
2/3 c. tapioca flour
1/2 t. each salt and pepper or to taste
4 c. milk
pinch of nutmeg
2 eggs, beaten together in small bowl
Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, toss with butter and grated parmesan, then put into a greased 9X13" baking dish. In a large skillet brown beef and onion, breaking up meat with a fork, add garlic and cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, salt and pepper, and cinnamon. Heat through, then spoon over pasta in pan. Top with 1/2 c. shredded parmesan. In a large sauce pan, melt butter. Meanwhile in a large bowl whisk together tapioca flour, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and milk. Pour milk mixture into sauce pan and bring to a boil, cook, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir a couple of spoonfuls of hot milk mixture into eggs and stir, then add eggs to milk mixture in sauce pan, bring to a gently boil, cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Pour over mixture in baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 F for 20 minutes, covered. Bake uncovered, for an additional 30-40 minutes longer until golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
Pairs Well With
Greek salad
