Pastitsio Recipe

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.

Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter for the bechamel sauce. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in the milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually whisk in the beaten eggs.

In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese.

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and Parmesan cheese.

Pour the bechamel sauce evenly over the top layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy!