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Greek Pasta Torte

Greek Pasta Torte
  • Prep 55 min
  • Total 1 hr 35 min
  • Servings 8
A subtle touch of cinnamon adds intriguing flavor to a simple pasta and ground beef casserole.
By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated May 10, 2010
Make With
Make With
Progresso Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. (4 cups) uncooked ziti (long tubular pasta)
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
  • 2 cups tomato pasta sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup Progresso™ Plain Bread Crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

Steps

  • 1
    Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish and 16x12-inch sheet of foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • 2
    Cook ziti in Dutch oven or large saucepan as directed on package. Drain in colander. Cover to keep warm; set aside.
  • 3
    Meanwhile, in large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Stir in pasta sauce and cinnamon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • 4
    Heat oven to 350°F. In same Dutch oven, combine 1 cup of the milk, flour, salt and pepper; mix with wire whisk until smooth. Stir in remaining 2 cups milk. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils and is slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
  • 5
    Beat eggs in medium bowl with wire whisk. Gradually add half of hot milk mixture, stirring constantly. Stir egg mixture back into mixture in dutch oven. Add cheese; mix well. Add cooked ziti; toss gently to coat evenly.
  • 6
    Place half of ziti mixture in sprayed baking dish. Spoon beef mixture evenly over ziti mixture. Top with remaining ziti mixture. Cover tightly with sprayed foil.
  • 7
    Bake at 350°F. for 35 to 40 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix bread crumbs and butter.
  • 8
    Remove foil; sprinkle bread crumb mixture over top. Bake uncovered an additional 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

  • The recipe is modeled after pastitsio (pah-STEE-tsee-oh), the classic Greek casserole made with long macaroni meat and tomato sauce, grated cheese and béchamel sauce. Cinnamon traditionally seasons the meat and tomato sauce, and it gives this torte a subtly exotic flavor.
  • Serve greens tossed with a red wine vinaigrette seasoned with oregano. A loaf of crusty bread and a plate of feta cheese, kalamata olives and salonika peppers finish a Greek dinner. For dessert serve fresh orange or melon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/8 of Recipe
Calories
490
Calories from Fat
160
Total Fat
18g
28%
Saturated Fat
7g
35%
Cholesterol
125mg
42%
Sodium
630mg
26%
Total Carbohydrate
56g
19%
Dietary Fiber
2g
8%
Sugars
12g
Protein
26g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
16%
16%
Vitamin C
8%
8%
Calcium
24%
24%
Iron
20%
20%
Exchanges:
3 1/2 Starch; 1 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
4
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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