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Highchair Travelers: Pastitsio

80 DiapersMay 10, 2014July 17, 2019 Highchair Travelers

Lemmy’s favorite dinner in Athens.

Years before we ever traveled to Greece, Lemmy was already an expert at making his favorite Greek recipe, pastitsio. This delicious baked casserole is a very kid-friendly combination of spaghetti with meat sauce and macaroni and cheese, and was at the top of his must-eat list when we finally arrived in Athens.

Your own kids can try authentic Greek flavors by helping to make a slightly simplified version this traditional comfort food. Adults will love it too!

Pastitsio

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6 oz elbow macaroni

1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb)

1/2 c chopped onion

1/4 t salt

2 c marinara sauce (bottled or homemade–we recommend Newman’s Own marinara)

1/4 t ground cinnamon

2 c Alfredo sauce (bottled or homemade–recipe below)

1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

FOR ALFREDO SAUCE:

1/2 c butter

3 oz cream cheese

1 pint heavy cream

1 t garlic powder

1/2 c Parmesan cheese

Boil macaroni according to package directions and drain.

If using homemade Alfredo sauce, melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Mix in cream cheese. Stir in cream and garlic powder. Increase heat and bring just to a boil, then decrease and simmer, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Making the alfredo sauce (and boiling the pasta.)

Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium high heat cook beef, onion and salt, stirring until browned. Drain well, and return to pan. Add marinara and cinnamon, stir thoroughly. Simmer 5 minutes, uncovered.

Spoon half of macaroni into lightly greased 11 by 7 inch pan. Top with marinara mixture, spread evenly.