Greek Pasta and Beef

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min.
Yield 12 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This delightfully different casserole gives everyday macaroni and cheese an international flavor. A co-worker who's a pro at Greek cooking shared the recipe years ago. It brings raves whenever I serve it. —Dorothy Bateman, Carver, Massachusetts

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • SAUCE:
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, water and seasonings. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain macaroni and place in a large bowl. Stir in egg and cheese; set aside.
  3. For sauce, in a large saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour and cinnamon until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Stir in cheese.
  4. In a greased 3-qt. baking dish, spread half of the macaroni mixture. Top with beef mixture and remaining macaroni mixture. Pour sauce over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 330 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.

This delightfully different casserole gives everyday macaroni and cheese an international flavor. A co-worker who's a pro at Greek cooking shared the recipe years ago. It brings raves whenever I serve it. —Dorothy Bateman, Carver, Massachusetts
Recipe Creator

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