GREEK PASTA BAKE

Greek Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in a hearty casserole. This recipe features tender pasta mixed with ground lamb or beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all layered with creamy béchamel sauce and topped with crumbled feta cheese. The result is a beautifully baked dish with a golden, bubbly top and a satisfying, flavorful filling. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner. The combination of spices, cheese, and a hint of cinnamon gives this pasta bake a distinctive Greek twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with olive oil, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and half of the crumbled feta cheese.
4. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese over the béchamel.
6. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Greek Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The rich combination of ground meat, fragrant spices, creamy béchamel, and tangy feta cheese brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your table. Serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.