I don’t have a video for this recipe.
If I had a photo, I would most certainly use it. That is... unless the photo I have sucks. For now, you'll just have to picture a big heaping helping of
Pastitcio
...in your mind.
Pastitcio

Pastitcio

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1.5 pounds ground lamb/beef or a combo
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Bechamel

  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 3 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 egg yolks 

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta: bucatini, penne, or pastitcio
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Melt butter and add ground meat, cook until about halfway done and add the onions
  2. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and onions have softened
  3. Add garlic & tomato paste, mix in well then add remaining ingredients - stir well to combine, and let simmer on low 15-20 minutes
  4. Preheat oven to 350
  5. Make the bechamel: melt the butter in a medium pot or pan over low-medium heat, add the flour - whisking to make a paste
  6. Add the milk a little at a time whisking continuously to prevent lumps, when all the milk is in, continue cooking and stirring about 5 minutes or until beginning to thicken
  7. Add the cheese, about a 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly, and when smooth add salt & pepper - remove from heat
  8. Let cook 5-10 minutes, then whisk in the yolks and set aside
  9. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions, drain and toss with the oil and 1/2 the parmesan
  10. Let's build: spray a casserole dish, and put in the pasta, top evenly with the meat sauce, then the bechamel and finally sprinkle with remaining Parmesan
  11. Bake approximately 40 minutes, or until top is just beginning to brown
  12. Let cool 30-45 minutes before serving