Pastitsio (Greek Baked Pasta)

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef reaches 160°F and is no longer pink.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, for 5-6 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 7

Remove the bechamel from the heat and stir in half the parmesan, the remaining salt, and the remaining pepper.

Step 8

Spread half the pasta in the baking dish, top with the meat sauce, then layer the remaining pasta on top.

Step 9

Pour the bechamel evenly over the pasta and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan.

Step 10

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden and bubbling, then let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.