Pastitsio

Ingredients

Quantities are for one portion.

• 30 gparmesan cheese, grated
• 15 mlolive oil
• 100 gtubular pasta (macaroni or penne)
• 100 mlwhole milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1onion, finely diced
• 100 gcanned diced tomatoes
• 10 gbutter
• 1egg
• 2garlic cloves, minced
• 10 gplain flour
• 150 gbeef mince

Method

1. Boil the pasta in salted water until just tender, then drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the beef mince and cook until browned all over.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer until the meat sauce is rich and thick.
4. Prepare the béchamel by melting the butter, whisking in the flour, and then gradually adding the milk until smooth and thick. Whisk the egg and half the cheese into the cooled sauce.
5. Mix the cooked pasta with a spoonful of the meat sauce and arrange it in the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Cover the pasta evenly with the rest of the meat sauce, then spread the béchamel smoothly over the top.
7. Finish with the remaining grated cheese and bake until the surface is puffed and golden.