Greek Meat Pasta (Makaronia me Kima)

01Method

1. 1

   Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the rotini until just tender, around 8 minutes, then drain. Place in a large bowl and coat with two-thirds of the olive oil.

2. 2

   Warm the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the grated tomatoes, grated onion, water, tomato paste, cinnamon, sugar, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the meat sauce simmer until the flavors meld, about 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. 4

   Combine the meat sauce with the cooked rotini and mix thoroughly. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a casserole dish, then scatter half of each cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture as a second layer and finish with the rest of the Mizithra and mozzarella.

5. 5

   Place the casserole in the oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted and lightly bubbling, approximately 40 minutes.