Pastitsio

Directions

1. 1
   For the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. 2
   Add the onion and saute until translucent.
3. 3
   Then add the garlic and saute for another minute.
4. 4
   Add the ground beef and brown, breaking up lumps as you go.
5. 5
   When meat is browned, add wine, tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, bay leaves, broth, salt and pepper and simmer 30-40 minutes.
6. 6
   Then remove cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
7. 7
   For the pasta: Cook pasta in boiling salted water, taking 3 minutes off the recommended cooking time that the package states.
8. 8
   When done drain off the water and allow pasta to cool slightly.
9. 9
   Then stir in eggs and half of the Parmesan cheese.
10. 10
    Stir in 1 cup of the white sauce at assembly time.
11. 11
    For the white sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in a large pan.
12. 12
    Whisk in flour, stirring about 1 minute until all lumps are gone, then slowly whisk in milk.
13. 13
    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
14. 14
    Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
15. 15
    For the assembly: Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine the breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan in a bowl.
16. 16
    Set aside.
17. 17
    Mentally divide the pasta into three portions, and the meat sauce into 2 portions.
18. 18
    Into a large lasagna pan layer as follows: 1/3 of the pasta, 1/2 of the meat sauce, 1/3 of the pasta, the rest of the meat sauce, the rest of the pasta, the white sauce, and the breadcrumbs/Parmesan.
19. 19
    Bake at 350 F for 30-45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
20. 20
    Then remove it from the onen.
21. 21
    Let it rest 15 minutes, then serve.
22. 22
    Adapted from Chichos Kitchen.