Enlightened Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Comfort Casserole) |
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Prep Time: 50 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes |
Ready In: 90 Minutes Servings: 10 |
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I found this recipe on a cooking blog called Enlightened Cooking. /search?updated-max=2008-12-02T22%3A47%3A00-06%3A00&max-results=7 I'm saving the recipe here so I don't lose it. If you try it before I do please let me know what you think. I'm totally guessing on the cooking time. Ingredients:
1 lb multi-grain penne (i used barilla plus) |
2 lbs lean ground beef (*see note below for vegetarian options) |
2 medium onions, chopped |
1/2 cup red wine |
1 1/3 cups good-quality marinara sauce |
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon |
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
3 cups low-fat milk (i used 1%) |
2 tablespoons unsalted butter |
3 tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper |
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg |
1/4 cup parmesan cheese |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water for 3 minutes fewer than specified on box (~8 minutes). Drain; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking apart pieces with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Add onions; cook and stir 5 minutes longer. Transfer to a colander; drain fat, and discard. Return beef to pan; add wine. Cook over medium heat until almost all liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and 2 cups water; simmer 15 minutes , stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. To prepare topping, place milk in a 4-cup glass measure. Microwave at HIGH 3 minutes or until hot, stirring after 2 minutes. Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, stirring with a whisk, and cook 1 minute or until bubbly, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk. Bring to a simmer; cook over low heat 8 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in Parmesan.
5. Add pasta to beef mixture; transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour sauce over the top, smoothing with the back of a spoon until level. Bake until browned in spots, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool 15 minutes before serving. Makes 10 generous servings.
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