Ingredients

1 box ziti rigati or ( 16 ounce ) box penne , cooked
meat , sauce
1 lb ground meat
1 can tomato sauce
1 onion , choped fine
1 head garlic or 1 head garlic powder , to taste
salt and pepper ( to taste )
1 cinnamon stick
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 teaspoons nutmeg
bechemel cream
3 cups sacalding milk
7 tablespoons butter or 7 tablespoons margarine
6 tablespoons flour or 6 tablespoons Bisquick
salt and pepper ( to taste )
4 egg yolks
Greek Pasticio (True Pasticio) is a traditional Greek pasta dish that is similar to lasagna or baked ziti. It consists of ziti rigati or penne pasta mixed with a meaty tomato sauce, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce, and baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. The dish is usually served hot and garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated cheese, accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables. Its origin dates back to ancient Greece, where it was known as macaria and was prepared to honor the goddess of happiness and good luck. Over time, the recipe evolved and became a staple of the Greek cuisine, loved by people around the world.

Instructions

1.Cook the ziti according to package directions and set aside.
2.Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3.Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
4.Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
5.Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6.Remove the cinnamon stick from the sauce and mix in the cooked ziti.
7.Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8.Make the bechamel cream by melting the butter in a saucepan.
9.Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
10.Slowly add the scalding milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
11.Add the egg yolks to the sauce and whisk until smooth.
12.Pour the bechamel sauce over the ziti mixture and spread evenly.
13.Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
14.Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

PROS

Greek Pasticio is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
It can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal.

The combination of beef, tomato sauce, nutmeg, and cinnamon creates a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

CONS

This dish contains a lot of calories and fat, which makes it a less healthy option for people on a diet or with high cholesterol.

The preparation of this dish takes some time and effort, which may be challenging for beginner cooks or people with a busy schedule.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Greek Pasticio contains protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for a healthy diet. Beef is a good source of Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin B12 that are important for maintaining healthy red blood cells, muscle function, and brain function. However, the dish should be consumed in moderation to maintain a balanced diet and reduce the risk of heart disease and obesity.

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