Middle Eastern Lasagna

Directions

1. 1
   Meat:.
2. 2
   Over medium heat in large skillet, heat olive oil.
3. 3
   Add onion and saute 3-4 minutes.
4. 4
   Add meat and cook until done.
5. 5
   Drain grease/fat from meat/onion mixture.
6. 6
   Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, cumin and allspice, mixing until evenly coated.
7. 7
   Should be a thickened tomato sauce/paste - cook 3-5 minutes to achieve, if necessary.
8. 8
   Cheese:.
9. 9
   In large bowl, combine feta, ricotta, eggs and parsley and stir until blended.
10. 10
    Preheat oven to 375°F.
11. 11
    Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with melted butter.
12. 12
    Line bottom of dish with 4 sheets of phyllo (cover remaining phyllo with damp cloth to prevent drying) and brush with melted butter.
13. 13
    Spread 1/3 of meat filling over phyllo.
14. 14
    Spread 1/3 of cheese filling over meat filling.
15. 15
    Cover with 4 sheets of phyllo and brush with melted butter.
16. 16
    Repeat layers until meat and cheese mixture is used up.
17. 17
    Cover with remaining 4 sheets of phyllo and brush with butter.
18. 18
    Cover with foil and bake 30-40 minutes.
19. 19
    Remove foil and bake additional 10-15 minutes or until top is golden brown.
20. 20
    Rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
21. 21
    Garnish with parsley, if desired.
22. 22
    Note: Can be made a day ahead -- cover and refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature before baking.