MEAT AND MACARONI PIE (PASTITSIO)

1 lb spaghetti, cooked aldente or ziti pasta, cooked
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 onion, chopped finely
1 to 2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 lbs chopped meat (lamb or beef)
14 ounces diced seasoned tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup sliced pitted olives, chopped
salt and pepper
1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Toss pasta with 1 tablespoon oil and garlic powder; set aside.

In a large frying pan, saute the onion and garlic in a 1 tablespoon of oil.

Add the meat and brown.

Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano and parsley. Simmer until cooked through and the mixture has the consistency of a sauce.

Using a greased oven proof dish, layer the cooked spaghetti and the meat mixture in the dish.

Heat the butter, flour in microwave oven to make a paste/roux about 30 seconds.

Whisk eggs into milk. Add to roux and whisk to mix together. Microwave 2 minutes. Whisk and microwave 2 more minutes.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in grated cheddar cheese. Pour over the casserole.

Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.

Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Servings: 10