Pastitsio

Cuisines

Best for

Recipe

Ingredients

200 grams	ziti or penne pasta
1 tablespoon	olive oil
1	medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves	garlic, minced
250 grams	ground beef
1 tablespoon	tomato paste
200 grams	canned tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon	ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon	dried oregano
1	bay leaf
50 grams	butter
50 grams	all-purpose flour
400 ml	milk
1	egg, beaten
50 grams	grated Parmesan cheese
Salt	to taste

Instructions

1. 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2 Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. 4 Add the ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned.
5. 5 Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove the bay leaf.
6. 6 In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. 7 Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
8. 8 Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
9. 9 In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta, then the meat sauce, and the remaining pasta.
10. 10 Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
11. 11 Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
12. 12 Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.