# Components:
→ 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 lb 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
# Directions:
01 - Set oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and return to the pot. Add butter, beaten eggs, and grated cheese, tossing to combine. Reserve.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Incorporate garlic, sauté briefly, then add ground beef. Cook thoroughly, breaking it up until browned.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaf.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking constantly, until fully incorporated and smooth. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
06 - Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually add a ladle of hot béchamel to the eggs, whisking to temper, then return to the saucepan. Stir in nutmeg, grated cheese, salt, and white pepper.
07 - Spread half the prepared pasta evenly in the baking dish. Cover pasta with all of the beef sauce, then layer remaining pasta on top. Pour béchamel sauce over the pasta, smoothing the surface.
08 - Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is set and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
