# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz bucatini or penne pasta
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - ½ cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
→ Beef Sauce
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1.1 lb ground beef
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
11 - ⅓ cup red wine
12 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
13 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Béchamel Sauce
16 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
17 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
18 - 3 ⅓ cups whole milk, warmed
19 - 2 large eggs
20 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
21 - ½ cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
22 - Salt and white pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and return to pot. Stir in butter, beaten eggs, and grated cheese. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly.
04 - Incorporate tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Remove bay leaf.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until thickened.
06 - Remove saucepan from heat. In a bowl, whisk eggs. Slowly add a ladle of hot béchamel to eggs, whisking to temper. Return egg mixture to saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Layer half the pasta in the baking dish. Spread the beef sauce evenly on top. Add remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce over, smoothing the surface.
08 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and set. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
