Layers of pasta, cinnamon beef, kasseri cheese, and béchamel deliver rich Greek flavor in every bite.
Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
285 min
Overall Time
300 min
Created By: Lili Clark
Category: Dinner
Skill Level: Challenging
Cuisine Type: Greek
Output: 12 Serves (1 large lasagna pan)
Dietary Options: ~
Ingredients
3 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Coarse kosher salt, to taste
1 package pastitsio noodles or mostaccioli
½ pound or more Kasseri cheese, grated (about 4 cups)
4 large eggs
1 ½ sticks unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
5 ½ cups whole milk
Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, sprinkle with salt, and cook until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking up with a wooden spoon. Stir in tomato sauce and cinnamon, and bring to a simmer. Season with salt to taste. Let stew with a lid slightly askew, stirring occasionally, for 3 hours. Cool and refrigerate overnight.
Cook noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, reducing the time by 1–2 minutes from package directions. Drain and cool. Toss noodles with one beaten egg in a large bowl using hands.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a lasagna pan with olive oil or nonstick spray. Evenly arrange noodles in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with one-third of grated cheese. Using a slotted spoon, distribute meat mixture evenly over the noodles and cheese layer. Sprinkle another one-third of grated cheese over the meat layer.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 1 stick of butter. Add flour and whisk until combined. Cook while stirring for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 5 cups of milk, cooking until bubbling and thickened. Beat 3 eggs and ½ cup milk in a separate bowl, then slowly whisk into the pot. Continue cooking until thickened. Let rest for a few minutes off heat.
Pour prepared béchamel over the meat and cheese layer, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining grated cheese. Melt ½ stick of butter and drizzle over the top.
Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is browned and the center is hot. If additional browning is needed, use the broiler for 3–5 minutes, monitoring closely. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- The meat sauce can be prepared a day in advance for better flavor.
- Assembling the dish takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
- Use a very large baking pan, such as 12 x 18 inches.
Required Tools
- Large pot
- Lasagna pan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Slotted spoon
- Hand mixer
- Baking sheet
Allergy Information
Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
- Contains dairy (milk and cheese).
- Contains egg.
- Contains gluten (flour and pasta).
Nutritional Information (per serving)
These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
