Pastitsio Pie
This recipe makes 6 servings
- Portion size: 6
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp 1tbspbutter
- 1 1oniononions, chopped
- 3 3cloves garlic, minced
- 1-1/2 lb 1-1/2lblean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp 1/2tspdried oregano
- 1/2 tsp 1/2tspcinnamon
- 1/2 tsp 1/2tspsalt
- 1/4 tsp 1/4tsppepper
- 1 can (14 oz/398 mL) 1can (14 oz/398 mL)stewed tomatoes
- 1 can (5-1/2 oz/156 mL) 1can (5-1/2 oz/156 mL)tomato paste
- 1 tbsp 1tbspred wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup 1/4cupchopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups 2cupsmacaroni
- 2 tbsp 2tbspdry breadcrumbs
- 1 cup 1cupgrated Parmesan cheese
- Sauce:
- 2 tbsp 2tbspbutter
- 2 tbsp 2tbspflour
- 1 cup 1cupmilk
- 1 cup 1cupcottage cheese
- 1 1eggeggs
- 1 Pinch 1Pinchnutmeg
- 1 Pinch 1Pinchsalt
- 1 Pinch 1Pinchpepper
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
In nonstick skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat; cook onion and garlic, stirring, for 3 minutes. Stir in beef, oregano, cinnamon, salt and pepper; cook, stirring for 7 to 10 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain off fat. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste and vinegar; cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in parsley. Set aside.
Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender but firm. Drain and refresh under cold water: drain again and set aside.
Sauce: In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour and cook, whisking for 2 minutes, without browning. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, whisking, for about 5 minutes or until thickened; remove from heat. Stir in cottage cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Grease 10 inch (25 cm) deep pie plate with remaining butter; sprinkle with bread crumbs. Spoon in half of the macaroni. Spread meat mixture evenly over top, pressing down lightly; sprinkled with one-third of the Parmesan.
Spoon remaining macaroni over top; carefully pour sauce over macaroni. (Make-ahead: Pie can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes; add 10 minutes to baking time.)
Sprinkled with remaining Parmesan. Bake on baking sheet for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden.
