Pasticchio
Pasticchio is a comforting baked pasta dish with seasoned ground beef, a cheesy macaroni layer, and warm spices, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups macaroni ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir in 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese into the cooked macaroni. Set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is lightly browned and the onion is tender.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- Add tomato sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the macaroni mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile, so don't hesitate to sprinkle them in. This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover pasta or meat sauce from previous meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasticchio hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables. This dish also complements other Italian recipes, making it a versatile choice for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Pasticchio to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can add a splash of milk to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasticchio contains roughly 853 calories, with 22g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2274mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pasticchio ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Pasticchio ahead of time. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh or mushrooms, which can add depth and texture without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the beef mixture. Alternatively, serve it with a side of spicy marinara sauce for drizzling. This can enhance the flavors without overwhelming the dish, making it a great option for those who enjoy spicy food.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).