Pastichio - A Beach Foodie Greek Family Favorite

This recipe is wonderful and great for cold weather. Make and freeze for dinners in the future. Makes about 8-12 servings. (photo courtesy of Istoria's Tales of Whimsical and Insane, Recipe courtesy of Cooks.com)

1 1/4 lbs Egg or Ziti noodles
1 lb. ground beef
1 med. onion
1/2 stick butter
1/3 c. flour
1/2 sm. can tomato paste
3 c. milk
3 eggs
1 c. grated cheese
1 tbsp. cinnamon
Salt & pepper to taste

Meat: Brown ground beef and onion in saucepan until fat evaporates. Add tomato paste with a few ounces of water. Add salt, pepper and cinnamon. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Boil noodles and set aside.

Sauce: Mix 1/2 stick butter (melted) and flour with egg beater until thick (30 seconds). Add slowly milk until it boils (5 minutes). Stir frequently.

On side, beat eggs in a bowl. Let milk boil slowly, stirring constantly until a little thick, then pour 1 cup of the milk into the eggs and beat to mix without lumping. Then return to pot and stir constantly over medium heat. Avoid boiling (about 1-2 minutes). Then add grated cheese and stir. Take 1 1/2 or 2 quarts casserole dish greased. Spread 1/2 noodles and cover with 1/3 sauce. Then 1 layer of meat and cover with 1/3 of sauce. Last layer is rest of noodles with rest of sauce on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.