Enlightened Pastitsio (Greek Pasta Comfort Casserole)

• 1 lb multi-grain penne (I used Barilla plus)
• 2 lbs lean ground beef (*see note below for vegetarian options)
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 12 cup red wine
• 1 13 cups good-quality marinara sauce
• 1 12 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 12 teaspoons dried oregano
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups low-fat milk (I used 1%)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 14 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 18 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 14 cup parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water for 3 minutes fewer than specified on box (~8 minutes).
3. Drain; set aside.
4. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking apart pieces with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink.
5. Add onions; cook and stir 5 minutes longer.
6. Transfer to a colander; drain fat, and discard.
7. Return beef to pan; add wine.
8. Cook over medium heat until almost all liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
9. Stir in marinara sauce, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and 2 cups water; simmer 15 minutes , stirring occasionally, until thickened.
10. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
11. To prepare topping, place milk in a 4-cup glass measure.
12. Microwave at HIGH 3 minutes or until hot, stirring after 2 minutes.
13. Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat.
14. Add flour, stirring with a whisk, and cook 1 minute or until bubbly, stirring constantly.
15. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk.
16. Bring to a simmer; cook over low heat 8 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens, stirring frequently.
17. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg.
18. Stir in Parmesan.
19. Add pasta to beef mixture; transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
20. Pour sauce over the top, smoothing with the back of a spoon until level.
21. Bake until browned in spots, 35 to 40 minutes.
22. Remove from oven; let cool 15 minutes before serving.
23. Makes 10 generous servings.

multigrain penne, lean ground beef, onions, red wine, marinara sauce, ground cinnamon, oregano, salt, lowfat milk, unsalted butter, flour, salt, ground black pepper, ground nutmeg, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/enlightened-pastitsio-greek-pasta-comfort-casserole-350610 (may not work)