Author Notes: An unusual take on a baked pasta casserole, sort of a Greek baked ziti. This can be made in one big family style casserole, or two smaller sizes. Take one to a friend and have one for dinner.

Pastitsio

Serves: 8 
Prep time: 25 min 
Cook time: 1 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

For the pasta and meat

• 1pound dried penne or ziti pasta
• 1tablespoon butter
• 2pounds ground lamb
• 2medium onions, diced
• 1/2cup red wine
• 16ounces can tomato paste
• 1teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2teaspoon ground sumac (optional)
• 1teaspoon dried mint (optional)
• 2cups water
• 6ounces crumbled feta

For the cheese sauce

• 6tablespoons butter
• 1/2cup all-purpose flour
• 3cups milk
• 1/8teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and reserve. Stir in the butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the lamb until no longer pink, breaking it into pieces, about 8 minutes. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer to a colander and shake well to drain the fat. Return the lamb to the pan, add the wine and cook over medium heat until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, (sumac and mint if using) and 2 cups of water. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
4. For the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until incorporated, about 30 seconds. In a slow steady stream, whisk in the milk until there are no lumps. Cook, whisking often, until the mixture is thick and bubbly and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 - 7 minutes. Stir in the cayenne and the Parmesan.
5. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
6. Add the pasta to the lamb mixture and stir to combine. Toss in the feta and combine. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9 x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture, smoothing the top with a spoon. Bake until browned in spots, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven then allow to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

https://food52.com/recipes/2756-pastitsio