Enlightened Pastitsio (greek Pasta Comfort Casserole)

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Preparation Time: 50 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 lb multi-grain penne (i used barilla plus)
• 2 lbs lean ground beef (*see note below for vegetarian options)
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 1/3 cups good-quality marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups low-fat milk (i used 1%)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Recipe

• 1 preheat oven to 375 degrees. cook pasta in a large pot of salted water for 3 minutes fewer than specified on box (~8 minutes). drain; set aside.
• 2 meanwhile, in a large saucepan, over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking apart pieces with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. add onions; cook and stir 5 minutes longer. transfer to a colander; drain fat, and discard. return beef to pan; add wine. cook over medium heat until almost all liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
• 3 stir in marinara sauce, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and 2 cups water; simmer 15 minutes , stirring occasionally, until thickened. season to taste with salt and pepper.
• 4 to prepare topping, place milk in a 4-cup glass measure. microwave at high 3 minutes or until hot, stirring after 2 minutes. melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. add flour, stirring with a whisk, and cook 1 minute or until bubbly, stirring constantly. gradually add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk. bring to a simmer; cook over low heat 8 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens, stirring frequently. remove from heat, and stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg. stir in parmesan.
• 5 add pasta to beef mixture; transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. pour sauce over the top, smoothing with the back of a spoon until level. bake until browned in spots, 35 to 40 minutes. remove from oven; let cool 15 minutes before serving. makes 10 generous servings.