# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz bucatini or penne pasta
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
→ Beef Sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1.1 pounds ground beef
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
11 - 1/3 cup red wine
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Béchamel Sauce
16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
17 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
18 - 3 1/3 cups whole milk, warmed
19 - 2 large eggs
20 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
21 - 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
22 - Salt and white pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and return to pot, then stir in butter, beaten eggs, and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add ground beef and break apart, browning until no longer pink.
04 - Stir in tomato paste for 1 minute. Mix in crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
05 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer 5–6 minutes to thicken.
06 - Remove béchamel from heat. Whisk eggs in a bowl, then slowly add a ladleful of hot béchamel, whisking to temper. Return mixture to saucepan and blend with nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Spread half the prepared pasta in the baking dish. Top with all beef sauce. Layer remaining pasta over sauce, then pour béchamel evenly over the top.
08 - Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and set. Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
