Ingredients

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups hot not boiling whole milk
salt and pepper
grated nutmeg
1 -3 egg yolk
pasta
8 ounces penne , cooked half way and drain
1/2 cup olive oil
1 large onion , finely chopped
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon oregano
salt
pepper
Pastitisio is a traditional Greek dish that is similar to lasagna or moussaka. It consists of layers of tender penne pasta and savory meat sauce, all covered in a creamy white sauce and baked to perfection. This dish is rich in flavor and texture, and often garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs. It is a popular comfort food in Greece, often served at family gatherings or special occasions such as weddings or baptisms.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, until mixture becomes golden brown.
3.Add hot milk to the roux mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4.Whisk in egg yolks, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then remove from heat.
5.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, 5-7 minutes.
6.Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.
7.Add cinnamon, tomato paste, nutmeg, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well and let cook for another 5 minutes.
8.Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine.
9.Mix half of the meat mixture with the white sauce in the saucepan.
10.In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta and meat mixture. Pour the white sauce mixture over the top. Layer remaining pasta and meat mixture on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
11.Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

PROS

Pastitisio is a flavorful and hearty baked pasta dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy white sauce, and tender penne pasta creates a well-balanced meal that is satisfying and delicious.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

The preparation and cooking time may be longer than some recipes, so it may not be the best option for a quick weeknight meal.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not particularly healthy, it does offer some nutrition benefits.
The ground beef provides protein and iron, while the pasta offers energy-rich carbohydrates.
The addition of tomato paste provides a source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce risk of certain cancers and inflammation.

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