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Pasta and Lamb Casserole (Pastitsio)

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Pasta and Lamb Casserole (Pastitsio)

Pasta and Lamb Casserole (Pastitsio)

amanda

Equipment

  • Pot - A large, heavy-bottomed pot ideal for boiling pasta or cooking stews. Ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning.

  • Casseroayer Dish - An oven-safe dish designed to bake casseroles like Pastitsio perfectly. It's usually made from materials suitable for high temperatures, such as ceramic or glass.

  • Chef's Knife - A versatile knife that can help with chopping vegetables and mincing garlic, which are key ingredients in the recipe.

  • Measuring Cups & Spoons Set - Essential for precise measurement of ingredients like flour, milk, or any other specified amounts in the recipe.

  • Pasta Roller/Cutter (optional) - For those who want to roll out their own pasta dough instead of buying it pre-made. While not mandatory, it adds a unique touch and customization to your meal.

  • Stand Mixer with Dough Hooks - If making homemade pasta from scratch, this appliance can significantly ease the process by mixing the dough thoroughly.

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board is necessary for safely chopping ingredients like onions and garlic without damaging countertops.

  • Mixing Bowls (various sizes) - Multiple bowls are useful for preparation steps such as mixing the pasta dough, combining sauce components, or assembling the final casserole.

  • Cooking Spray - To help prevent food from sticking to pans and facilitate easier cleanup after cooking the lamb and vegetables.

  • Meat Tenderizer (optional) - If using a tougher cut of meat for your lamb, this can help break down fibers in the meat to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes tender.

  • Electric Kitchen Scale - For those who enjoy precise measurements or prefer working with weights over volume-based measuring cups.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 2 pounds ground lamb

  • 1 (28-ounces) can whole tomatoes in juice

  • 1 (15-ounces) can whole tomatoes in juice

  • 4 thyme sprigs

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground allspice

  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 7 cups whole milk

  • 3/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

  • 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or kefalotyri cheese (2 ounces)

  • 5 large egg yolks

  • 2 pounds ziti

  • 1 3/4 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs (from 4 slices firm white sandwich bread)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or kefalotyri cheese

Instructions

1

Instruction 1

Cook onions in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Increase heat to high, then stir in lamb and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up any lumps with a fork, until meat starts to brown, about 15 minutes.
2

Instruction 2

Meanwhile, drain both cans of tomatoes, reserving juice, and chop.
3

Instruction 3

Pour off excess fat from skillet, then stir in tomatoes with their juice, thyme, spices, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Simmer over low heat, partially covered, until some liquid has evaporated but sauce is still moist, about 40 minutes. Discard thyme.
4

Instruction 4

Melt butter in a heavy medium pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then cook roux, whisking frequently, until pale golden, about 6 minutes.
5

Instruction 5

Meanwhile, heat milk in a heavy medium saucepan until just about to boil. Add milk to roux in a stream, whisking constantly until very smooth. Bring sauce to a boil over medium heat, whisking, then cook, whisking, 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg, cheese, and 1 tablespoon salt.
6

Instruction 6

Lightly beat yolks in a bowl. Gradually whisk in 2 cups béchamel, then whisk yolk mixture into remaining béchamel in saucepan. Cover with a round of buttered wax paper (buttered side down).
7

Instruction 7

Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle. Cook ziti in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until al dente.
8

Instruction 8

Drain pasta, then transfer to a large bowl and stir in 1 cup béchamel.
9

Instruction 9

Arrange one third of pasta lengthwise in 1 layer in a large (17-by 11-inch) baking pan (about 2 inches deep).
10

Instruction 10

Add half of meat sauce (about 3 cups) to baking pan, spreading evenly over pasta.
11

Instruction 11

Make another layer of pasta and top with remaining meat sauce, then arrange remaining pasta on top.
12

Instruction 12

Spread remaining béchamel (about 6 cups) evenly over top layer of pasta.
13

Instruction 13

Stir together bread crumbs and cheese and sprinkle evenly over top of pastitsio.
14

Instruction 14

Bake until crumbs are golden brown and sauce is bubbling, about 45 minutes.
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