Παστίτσιο | Pastitsio

Layered pasta and rich meat sauce, topped with creamy béchamel.

Ingredients

• 500 grams macaroni
• 500 grams ground beef
• 1 large onion
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 100 grams butter
• 1 liter milk
• 100 grams flour

Method

1. Cook macaroni slightly underdone, drain, and set aside.
2. Brown beef with onion, add tomato paste and cinnamon, stir until aromas release.
3. Prepare béchamel by melting butter, stirring in flour, and slowly adding milk.
4. Layer pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish, bake at 180°C till golden.
5. Rest before serving slices so layers hold together.

Chef's tips

• Melting butter slowly prevents béchamel from clumping.
• Allow dish to cool slightly before slicing.