2tsp.fresh oreganochopped (or ½ tsp. ground oregano)
¾tsp.ground cinnamon
Pinchof ground cloves
1½tsp.Kosher saltplus more for pasta water
½tsp.freshly ground black pepper
4cups32-oz. marinara sauce (we love Rao’s)
1poundziti or penne pasta
Béchamel Sauce
3¼cups30-oz. fresh ricotta cheese
4large egg yolks
½tsp.ground nutmeg
½tsp.Kosher salt
¼tsp.freshly ground black pepper
¾cupParmesan cheeseshredded
Chopped parsleyfor garnish
Instructions
To Make the Meat Sauce and Pasta
Preheat the oven to 350.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent (about 8 minutes). Add the ground lamb, breaking up with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle on the seasonings (oregano, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper). Cook until meat is browned.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of heavily-salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the pasta until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
To the lamb mixture, add in the marinara sauce, stir, and bring to a boil. Boil over medium-high heat until the sauce has reduced slightly (about 5 minutes).
To Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a blender, standing mixer, or large bowl, add in the ricotta cheese, eggs, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Blend or mix until well combined.
To Assemble the Greek Lasagna (Pastitsio)
Add the pasta to the lamb ragú and toss until combined. Transfer to a 9x13” baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with béchamel sauce, spreading evenly.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, until heated through.
Finally, turn on the broiler to 500. Broil for about 5 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
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Notes
Béchamel sauce can be made, covered, and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead of assembly time.
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary, and Pineapple House Rules makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.