Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pasta (ziti or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red apple vinegar (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar (if using), spices, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened.
- For the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened; stir in nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and whisk in beaten egg.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, followed by the meat sauce and remaining pasta. Pour béchamel on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg