Pastitio

To prepare a delicious baked macaroni recipe with minced meat, we will start by making sure we have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need 500 g of minced meat (beef or pork, according to preference), one large onion, two cloves of garlic, 400 g of fresh tomatoes or a jar of tomato sauce, a stick of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, 300 g of macaroni, 500 ml of milk, a packet of béchamel sauce, and grated cheese for topping.

We start by sautéing the minced meat. Heat a pot over medium heat and add the minced meat, chopped onion, and whole garlic cloves to add flavor. Stir continuously to ensure the meat browns evenly. Once the onion becomes translucent and the meat changes color, add the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, along with the stick of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. These spices will add a special flavor to the dish. Then add a cup of water, cover the pot with a lid, and let the mixture simmer on low heat until all the liquid reduces and the meat is well cooked.

Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. When they are al dente, drain them and set aside. In a bowl, add the milk and the packet of béchamel sauce. Using a mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and thickens, achieving a fine texture that will bind the ingredients.

For assembling the dish, take a baking dish and add half of the macaroni, sprinkling some grated cheese on top. Continue with a generous layer of cooked minced meat, then add the remaining macaroni. Finally, pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the entire mixture and sprinkle some remaining cheese for a tasty topping.

After assembling, place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top layer becomes golden and crispy.

When ready, take the dish out of the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve with appetite. This baked macaroni recipe with minced meat is perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. Enjoy your meal!