This classic Italian Pasticcio is a comforting, layered casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Rich ground beef simmers with onions, tomato sauce, and white wine to create a savory base, while long macaroni noodles provide a satisfying texture. The dish is bound together with a luxurious mixture of milk, butter, and eggs, creating a creamy custard-like consistency as it bakes. Topped with sharp grated cheese, it emerges from the oven golden, bubbly, and aromatic. Perfect for family dinners or Sunday suppers, this recipe offers a rustic, home-style elegance that pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
Pasticcio (Macaroni-Beef Bake
Description
This classic Italian Pasticcio is a comforting, layered casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Rich ground beef simmers with onions, tomato sauce, and white wine to create a savory base, while long macaroni noodles provide a satisfying texture. The dish is bound together with a luxurious mixture of milk, butter, and eggs, creating a creamy custard-like consistency as it bakes. Topped with sharp grated cheese, it emerges from the oven golden, bubbly, and aromatic. Perfect for family dinners or Sunday suppers, this recipe offers a rustic, home-style elegance that pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
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Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
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While macaroni cooks, heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion.
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Cook and stir beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is softened; drain off excess fat.
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Stir in tomato sauce, dry white wine, and salt into the skillet.
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Heat mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered until liquid is almost absorbed, about 8 minutes.
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Grease an 8x8x2 inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked macaroni evenly in the bottom of the dish.
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Spread the beef mixture evenly over the first layer of macaroni.
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In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of grated cheese with the ground nutmeg; sprinkle this mixture over the beef layer.
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Cover with the remaining macaroni.
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In a 2-quart saucepan, heat milk and butter over medium heat, stirring until butter is melted.
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Remove milk mixture from heat. Gradually stir at least half of the warm milk mixture into the beaten eggs to temper them.
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Mix the egg mixture back into the remaining milk mixture in the saucepan.
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Pour the milk-egg mixture evenly over the macaroni in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of grated cheese.
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Bake uncovered until the top is golden and the center is bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 890.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 65.4g101%
- Saturated Fat 35.2g177%
- Cholesterol 185.8mg62%
- Sodium 6305.9mg263%
- Total Carbohydrate 19.4g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
- Sugars 8.6g
- Protein 47.6g96%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
