Easy As Can Be Pasticcio

Source: saved recipe (Google Drive)

Note: pasticcio is a Greek baked pasta dish, grouped here with Italian pasta bakes for lack of a Greek category.

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne, mostaccioli, or ziti
• 2 cups finely grated Parmesan
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs

Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, with juices
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. When done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
3. For the sauce: heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the butter foams, add the onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the meat and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and cinnamon and season to taste. Cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes more, then remove from heat.
5. Butter a 2 1/2 to 3-quart baking dish. Spread half the pasta evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle half the cheese over the top, then add all the meat sauce, the remaining pasta, and the remaining cheese.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until combined. Slowly pour it over the entire dish so it completely covers the noodles.
7. Cover and bake until bubbly, about 40-45 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbling and browned, about 10-15 minutes more.
8. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.