Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 can diced tomatoes , undrained
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves , minced
1 small onion , chopped
1 small green pepper , chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
5 eggs
36 ounces bottled reduced-fat alfredo sauce
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Pastitsio is a traditional Greek dish that is often served at family gatherings and celebrations. It is similar to lasagna, but with a unique twist of cinnamon and nutmeg in the dish. The dish consists of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich layer of creamy, alfredo sauce that is baked in the oven until golden brown. The topping of Parmesan cheese adds a delicious crust to the dish, making it a perfect main course option for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
3.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté garlic, onion, and green pepper until softened.
4.Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
5.Drain any excess grease from the pan and stir in canned diced tomatoes, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
6.In a separate bowl, beat 4 eggs and add in bottled alfredo sauce and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
7.In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the meat mixture, and then half of the sauce mixture.
8.Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni, meat mixture, and sauce mixture.
9.Beat 1 egg and pour over the top of the dish.
10.Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
11.Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

PROS

Easy Pastitsio is a comforting Greek dish that is savory and satisfying without being too heavy.

The cinnamon and nutmeg in the dish add a unique flavor that complements the pasta and meat.

It is perfect for serving a hungry crowd or as leftovers for a quick meal during the week.

CONS

This dish can be high in calories and fat due to the meat and cheese content.

It is important to consume in moderation and incorporate plenty of vegetables and fruits into your diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Easy Pastitsio may not be the healthiest dish, it does contain valuable protein from the ground beef and cheese.
The cinnamon in the dish has been linked to providing anti-inflammatory properties and supporting heart health.
It is important to pair this dish with plenty of vegetables and a balanced diet.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.