Beef Pastitsio

Pastitsio is an Italian & Greek pasta dish that will typically use beef or lamb. There are, of course, many versions of this dish throughout the Mediterranean. This version uses beef. The beef is initially cooked and simmered with tomatoes before layering between cheesy macaroni and baked in the oven. The flavour is beautifully enhanced by cinnamon and oregano. Topped with cheese and finishing sauce and it is baked to a wonderful golden finish. A great pasta dish for any time of year.

Ingredients:
• Olive Oil Spray to spray baking dish
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Brown Onion diced
• 1 clove Garlic crushed
• 500 g Beef Mince
• 2 tbsp Tomato Sauce
• 400 g Diced Tomatoes 1 can
• 2 tsp Ground Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Zucchini grated
• 200 g Macaroni
• 1 Egg whisked
• 3/4 cup 3 Cheese Combo grated cheese
• 160 g Cheese Finishing sauce I use one Masterfoods pkt Cheese Finishing sauce

Instructions:
1. Preheat a fan forced oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Spray a medium baking dish with oil.
3. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat.
4. Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
5. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add beef mince and cook until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up clumps.
7. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ground oregano & ground cinnamon. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
8. Add zucchini, stir to mix through and continue simmering for a further 5 minutes or so until sauce thickens a little. Remove from heat and set aside.
9. While beef is simmering, cook macaroni according to packet directions.
10. Drain pasta and return to saucepan.
11. Add egg, half the 3 cheese combo and 2 tbsp of cheese finishing sauce to the macaroni. Stir to mix through. Season as required.
12. Spoon half of the macaroni mixture into the base of the baking dish.
13. Spoon the beef mixture into the baking dish on top of the macaroni.
14. Cover the beef with the remaining macaroni mixture.
15. Top with the remaining cheese and cheese finishing sauce.
16. Place baking dish in oven and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
17. Serve with mixed salad leaves.

For pictures & more follow the link below:
Beef Pastitsio

bon appetit