Pastitsio

I love pastitsio, it's basically a greek version of lasagna, but I would choose this over traditional lasagna any day! and I am also thrilled that the hubby liked this, he has come so far from his steak and potato only eating days, I'm so proud! I got this recipe from Ellysaysopa

1 lb. bucatini pasta (use penne or something similar if you can’t find it)
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 cup grated myzithra cheese
1 batch Greek meatsauce
1 batch bechamel sauce
1/4 cup kefalotyri cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Greek Meatsauce
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs. ground beef
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 or 2 bay leaves
salt and pepper

Bechamel
6 Tbsp. butter
2/3 cup flour
1 qt. milk
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
3/4 cup kefalotyri
2 eggs
1 egg yolk

Heat olive oil in a large pan, add onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes


Add the ground beef, brown and then drain the fat from the pan

Stir in the tomato paste

Add the beef broth, cinnamon stick, cloves, parsley, bay, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer, partially covered, for an hour, stirring occasionally

Melt butter in a large pan. Stir in the flour, cooking for a few minutes until golden brown. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly with a whisk to combine well. Bring to a boil and let cook for a few minutes

Add the grated nutmeg


Take off the heat and add the kefalotyri cheese, eggs and egg yolk

Cook pasta, drain and add the beaten egg, butter, and the myzithra cheese

Grease your baking dish and add half the pasta

Add all of the meat sauce

Add the rest of the pasta

Pour all the bechamel over the pasta and top with the kefalotyri cheese and the breadcrumbs, bake at 375 for 45 minutes

See other recipes at The Grocery Cart Challenge