Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ziti or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red apple vinegar (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground meat; cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and gradually add milk while whisking until thickened. Stir in nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese; remove from heat and quickly whisk in beaten egg.
- Assemble by spreading half of the cooked pasta in a greased baking dish, topping with meat sauce, remaining pasta, and finally pouring the béchamel sauce on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg