Pastitsio Greek Casserole |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 120 Minutes |
Ready In: 120 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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Pronounced pah-STEET-see-oh Some recipes for this dish do not call for cinnamon in the meat sauce, but I ALWAYS put it in. This recipe also calls for a thick béchamel sauce. I love this stuff and don't make it nearly often enough. Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs lg tubular pasta (such as ziti #2) |
1 c olive oil |
1-2 cloves of garlic, finely minced |
1 1/4 c chopped onions |
1 1/2 lbs ground beef |
2 1/2 c peeled, chopped plum tomatoes |
1 1/2 t ground cinnamon |
6 whole cloves |
sea salt |
20 or more ground peppercorns (to taste) |
1 1/4 c grated kefalotyri cheese (or pecorino) |
1/2 c breadcrumbs |
béchamel sauce w/cheese or basic béchamel |
Directions:
1. Sauté onions til translucent in 2 T olive oil in large heavy-bottomed frying pan.
2. Add meat & continue to stir til lightly brown.
3. Add tomatoes, spices, garlic, salt, & pepper & stir well to combine. Reduce heat & simmer til liquid has been absorbed, about 30-35 min. This is very important - the meat mixture should be as dry as possible without sticking to the bottom of the pan. Set meat mixture aside, uncovered, & allow to cool.
4. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a baking or roasting pan approximately 11 X 14 X 3 in. high.
5. While the meat is simmering, prepare pasta. Cook til slightly underdone, drain, toss w/couple T. olive oil to prevent sticking, & set aside.
6. Make the béchamel sauce with cheese or 6 c. of basic béchamel.
7. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on bottom of an 11x15x3-in. baking pan.
8. Use 1/2 the pasta for first layer & sprinkle with 1/2 c. of the grated cheese.
9. Add meat sauce evenly over the pasta, & sprinkle w/1/2 cup of the grated cheese.
10. Add remaining pasta on top. Carefully pour béchamel over the top & use a spatula to spread evenly.
11. Bake at 350F for 30 min., then sprinkle remaining 1/4 c. grated cheese on top, & continue to bake for another 15-30 min. til sauce rises & turns golden brown.
12. Remove pan from oven & allow to cool before serving (Pastitsio is served warm, not hot). Serves 6-8
13. This dish can be prepared the day before, all the way to the béchamel sauce, refrigerated overnight,& cooked the next day after adding sauce.
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