Pastitsio

Submitted by: Brenda Davis	Country: U.S.A.
Category: Home/Pasta & Pizza
Quantity: 8 servings	Preparation time: 0:20 hr. Cooking time: 0:40 hr.

Ingredients

Bottom
3 cups	cooked macaroni, drained	750 mL
2	eggs, lightly beaten	2
1/3 cup	freshly grated Parmesan cheese	75 mL
Meat sauce
1-1/2 lb	medium ground beef	750 g
2 cups	sliced mushrooms	500 mL
1 cup	chopped onion	250 mL
1	can (14 oz/398 mL) tomato sauce	1
1 tsp	garlic powder	5 mL
1 tsp	dried basil	5 mL
1 tsp	dried oregano	5 mL
1/4 tsp	salt	1 mL
1/4 tsp	pepper	1 mL
1/8 tsp	ground cinnamon	0.5 mL
Custard
1/3 cup	butter	75 mL
1/3 cup	all-purpose flour	75 mL
1/4 tsp	salt	1 mL
1/4 tsp	ground nutmeg	1 mL
3 cups	milk	750 mL
2	eggs, lightly beaten	2
1/3 cup	freshly grated Parmesan cheese	75 mL

Directions

Bottom

Combine macaroni, eggs and cheese. Spread over bottom of greased 13 x 9 inch (33 x 23 cm) baking dish. Set aside.

Meat sauce

In large frying pan, over medium heat, cook beef, mushrooms, and onions until tender. Drain off fat. Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings. Simmer, uncovered, while preparing topping.

Topping

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Blend in flour, salt and nutmeg. Gradually pour in milk and continue cooking and stirring until sauce is thickened and bubbly. Gradually stir hot liquid to eggs, then return to saucepan. Cook over low heat 1 minute longer.

To assemble

Spread meat sauce over macaroni. Spread topping over all. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Bake in pre-heated oven at 350°F/180°C for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Chef's Note

Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until baking (next day).