Greek Macaroni Pie with Ground Beef and Spinach 🇬🇷🍝

This hearty and comforting dish is a delightful twist on traditional macaroni pie, featuring layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and nutritious spinach, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy filling. It's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, and you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs and spices. Serve it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal! 🥗

Ingredients

For the pasta filling

• 8 oz macaroni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the creamy mixture

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

For the topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.

3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add the chopped spinach, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

🍽️ Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also add some red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat!

4. Mix the creamy filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, and nutmeg. Stir until fully blended.

5. Combine everything: In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni at the bottom. Pour half of the creamy mixture over the pasta, then spread the beef and spinach mixture on top. Add the remaining macaroni and top with the rest of the creamy mixture.

6. Add the topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pie.

7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the macaroni pie for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving!

🥘 For added flavor, consider mixing in some crumbled feta cheese into the creamy filling or as a topping!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with mushrooms and additional veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian option! 🍄
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. The texture may vary, but it's just as enjoyable!
• Mediterranean twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the meat mixture for a tangy kick that embodies Greek flavors.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Assemble the pie and freeze it before baking. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Enjoy your Greek Macaroni Pie with a delightful blend of flavors and textures that captivates everyone at the table! 🌟