NIKKI'S PERFECT PASTITSIO

Nikki's Perfect Pastitsio image

My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom's.-Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 pounds ground sirloin
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
BECHAMEL SAUCE:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups 2% milk
2 large eggs, beaten

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Toss with butter; add grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in tomato sauce, salt and cinnamon; heat through. Spoon over pasta. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese., In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened., In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Pour over beef mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese., Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes longer or until golden brown.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Fat 18g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 718mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 20g protein.