KITTENCAL'S GREEK PASTITSIO

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Kittencal's Greek Pastitsio image

To save some time the meat sauce may be made up to a day ahead if desired, try to use extra-lean ground beef for this it will make a difference in flavor, small penne pasta may be replaced for the ziti, but I do recommend using the ziti, adjust the chili flakes to suit heat level, or you may omit if desired --- also see my recipe#66596

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Meat

Time 1h50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 lb uncooked ziti pasta
1/4 cup melted butter
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 pinch nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1/2 teaspoon white salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 -2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
1 1/2 lbs extra lean ground beef
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 cup beef broth
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 pinch cayenne pepper
3 cups 18% table cream or 3 cups half-and-half cream
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste) or 1/2 teaspoon white salt (or to taste)
ground black pepper (to taste)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  • In a large pot cook the pasta in boiling water with 1 tablespoons salt until al dente; drain and return the cooked pasta to the pot.
  • To the pasta add in 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, pinch nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; mix until combined then allow to cool slightly.
  • Add in eggs and mix well; set aside.
  • For the meat sauce; heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat; add in onion and crushed chili flakes, cook for about 4 minutes.
  • Add in garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add in extra lean ground beef; cook breaking up the meat with a spoon or fork until browned.
  • Add in tomato paste, wine, beef broth, salt and pepper; mix well, then cover and simmer over low heat for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile while the meat sauce is cooking prepare the bechamel sauce; melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour and cayenne pepper; cook stirring for about 2 minutes.
  • Add in cream and nutmeg; bring to a boil whisking/stirring constantly then cook for about 1 minute.
  • Cool for about 10 minutes before whisking in the egg.
  • Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Remove about 1/2 cup bechamel sauce and mix into to the already cooked ground beef mixture.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • TO ASSEMBLE; spoon HALF of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Top the ziti mixture with ALL of the meat sauce, then top with remaining ziti mixture.
  • Pour ALL the bechamel sauce over the ziti mixture then spread out with a spoon to cover.
  • Top with about 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (can use more or less).
  • Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Allow to rest for about 20 minutes before slicing.

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