Authentic Greek Pasticcio

Step 1

Pour olive oil and butter into a hot pan over a high heat

Step 2

Add chopped onion and continue to cook about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Step 3

Add ground veal or beef meat and cook about 5 minutes until brown all over.

Step 4

Add nutmeg bay leaves, allspice, salt and pepper and continue to cook one minute.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste and tomato passata. Continue to cook a few minutes.

Step 6

Add water, mix and reduce heat to low. Continue to cook covered about 5 to 10 minutes until you have a thick sauce consistency.

Step 7

Fill two-thirds (2/of a pot with water. Add olive oil and salt. Bring to a boil.

Step 8

Add the Pasticcio pasta or lasagna pasta. Cook about 3 to 4 minutes less than time indicated on the pasta package. The pasta will still be a bit firm, as it will cook further in the oven.

Step 9

Strain the pasta.

Step 10

Add a little butter so the pasta doesn't stick to each other. Put aside.

Step 11

In a pot, mix with a whisk the milk, flour, butter, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. All ingredients should be cold or at room temperature. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent lumps.

Step 12

Put the pot over a medium heat on the stove. Continue heating and stirring until you see small bubbles on top.

Step 13

Reduce heat and continue stirring until you reach a sauce consistency (like pancake batter). Remember, the sauce will probably thicken a little more when baking in the dish.

Step 14

Remove from heat. Add the cheese and mix.

Step 15

Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Butter lightly a baking dish.

Step 16

Add half of the pasta on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle a couple pinches of grated cheese.

Step 17

Add all the meat sauce on top of the pasta. Sprinkle a couple pinches of grated cheese.

Step 18

Add the remaining half of the pasta on top. Sprinkle a couple pinches of grated cheese.

Step 19

Pour all the improved béchamel sauce on top. Make sure everything is covered with the sauce.

Step 20

Put baking dish into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly brown on top.

Step 21

Serve and enjoy!