MLA Australian Lamb Greek Pastitsio

  • Prep time 30Min
  • Cook time 25Min
  • Technique Broil, Bake
  • Meat Lamb
  • Cut Ground
  • Serves 8

Looking for a delicious natural lamb recipe? Try out this simple, yet tasty recipe for Pastitsio from the experts at Australian Lamb!

Ingredients

Lamb Mixture

  • 2 lb Australian ground lamb
  • 10 oz dried macaroni
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 white onion, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 cloves
  • Red wine, for cooking
  • 1 (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp dried breadcrumbs

Béchamel Sauce

  • 2½ cups whole milk
  • 3 cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 black peppercorns
  • 4 oz butter
  • ½ cup plain flour
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain.

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic. Add the ground lamb, breaking up any lumps with a spoon. Cook until the lamb is browned.

Add the bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, and a splash of red wine. Reduce the heat to a simmer, add the tomatoes, and stir to combine. Cook for 25 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix it through the meat sauce.

To prepare the béchamel sauce, combine the milk, cloves, bay leaf and peppercorns in a saucepan. Place over low to medium heat, allowing the milk to slowly come to a boil so it can infuse with the flavors. Remove from the heat immediately.

In another saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent browning.

Strain the infused milk and gradually add it to the butter and flour mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

In an ovenproof rectangular dish, spread the pasta and meat sauce evenly, pressing it down to flatten. Pour the prepared béchamel over the top and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.

Dietary Substitutions

For Keto version:

  • Replace macaroni noodles with your favorite roasted vegetables.
  • Replace red wine with stock/broth and a splash of vinegar.
  • Replace bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds.
  • Replace flour with xanthan gum.

For Paleo version:

  • Replace macaroni noodles with your favorite roasted vegetables.
  • Replace bread crumbs with almond flour.
  • Replace flour with arrowroot or tapioca starch.
  • Replace milk with almond milk.
  • Replace red wine with stock/broth and a splash of vinegar.
  • Replace butter with avocado or olive oil.
  • Replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

For Whole30 version:

  • Replace macaroni noodles with your favorite roasted vegetables.
  • Replace bread crumbs with almond flour.
  • Replace milk with Whole30 approved almond milk.
  • Replace red wine with stock/broth and a splash of vinegar.
  • Replace butter with avocado or olive oil.
  • Replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

BUY LAMB NOW

BUY NOW

ORDER THE INGREDIENTS

SHOP NOW