Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
1 quart hot milk
2 teaspoons salt
3 eggs
2 onions , chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 dash cinnamon
1 dash nutmeg
salt and pepper
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 lb elbow macaroni
3 eggs , beaten
1/2 tablespoon salt
grated cheese , of your choice
Pleasing Pastitso is a baked pasta dish that is traditionally eaten in Greece. It is made with layers of macaroni, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with a generous amount of cheese. The dish is often served at large family gatherings, and it is a staple of Greek cuisine. With its comforting flavors and hearty texture, it is sure to become a favorite in your household as well. So why not give it a try for your next family get-together or potluck?

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3.Add 1/2 cup of flour to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent it from burning, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden.
4.Slowly add 1 quart of hot milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5.Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the saucepan and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6.Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in 3 beaten eggs.
7.In a separate pan, sauté 2 chopped onions in 2 tablespoons of butter until they are translucent.
8.Add 2 lbs of lean ground beef to the pan, and cook until the meat is browned.
9.Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, salt and pepper, 1/2 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pan. Cook for a further 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
10.Cook 1 lb of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, drain and set aside.
11.Mix the macaroni with the beef mixture, and spread it out in a large baking dish.
12.Pour the egg and béchamel sauce over the macaroni and beef mixture, and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
13.Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
14.Serve hot, garnished with parsley or other fresh herbs if desired.

PROS

Pleasing Pastitso is a delicious and satisfying Greek classic that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
The creamy béchamel sauce and cheesy topping make it a comfort food favorite.

CONS

This dish can be quite heavy and calorie-dense, so it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish contains protein from the beef, and vitamins and minerals from the macaroni and onions.
The béchamel sauce is rich in calcium and dairy protein, but it is also high in fat and calories. To lighten up the dish, you can use a lower-fat milk and cheese, or swap out the beef for a leaner protein source like ground turkey or chicken.

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