Pastitsio - Greek Macaroni

Submitted by FrenchBunny

"This has such a blend of wonderful spices and is so creamy. My friend gave me this recipe such a long time ago and I make it over and over again. Everyone loves it. I change the pasta's sometimes but it always turns out delicious. It can be frozen as well after cooking and turns out great."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 40mins
• Ingredients: 21
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• meat layer

• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1⁄4 cup dry white wine

• cream sauce

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 3 cups light cream
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup swiss cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

• pasta

• 3⁄4 lb ziti pasta or 3/4 lb elbow macaroni
• 3 eggs
• 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

• topping

• 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/4 cup swiss cheese

directions

1. For Meat Layer.
2. Saute onions in butter till soft.
3. Add meat breaking up with spoon & cook till no pink remains.
4. Drain off fat in a strainer & return meat in pan.
5. Add remaining ingredients.
6. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer uncovered 15 minutes.
7. For Cream Sauce.
8. Melt butter in large pot.
9. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
10. Lower heat and add cream and stock till smooth.
11. Cook stirring constantly till sauce is thick & bubbly.
12. Stir in cheese,salt and pepper and stir till cheese is melted & blended into sauce.
13. Remove from heat, cover and set aside.
14. Cook pasta according to directions on box.
15. Beat eggs, 1/2 Cup cheese and Soft butter.
16. Add to pasta, blending well.

17. Assembly:

18. Spoon 1/2 of pasta into buttered 13X9X2 dish.
19. Pour 1 Cup Sauce over pasta.
20. Spoon on all of the meat mixture.
21. Pour another 1 Cup sauce over meat.
22. Add other 1/2 of pasta.
23. Pour rest of sauce.
24. Sprinkle 1/4 C cheese on top.
25. Bake uncovered 350 F for 35 minutes.

Reviews

[breezermom]

I have to say...this is one of my PAC babies, so I won't reflect any displeasure in the rating as long as it is a good recipe and this is an excellent tasting recipe!. However the directions are a little confusing. I'd rework the directions and more people would make this wonderful recipe! Made as posted except I added garlic to the meat mixture. I just can't stand the smell of the mix with out garlic!

 

[Gloria in Tampa]

I haven't made this recipe but must admit that it sounds tasty. The calorie and fat content scarred me away.