Greek-style Beef Pastitsio with Cream Sauce

Prepare the meat layer by heating a large skillet over high heat and adding butter, which should melt quickly. Introduce the onion into the mixture and cook until it starts to soften, taking approximately 3 minutes. Next, incorporate ground beef into the skillet and cook until it reaches a crumbly texture and no longer appears pink. Add water and tomato paste to the skillet, followed by seasoning with allspice, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes before removing from heat to adjust salt levels, refrigerate until chilled, and then remove any excess fat that may have congealed. Finally, thoroughly mix the meat layer with eggs before setting it aside.

Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for optimal results.

Prepare the macaroni layer by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and adding salt for flavor. Introduce macaroni into the boiling water and cook until it reaches an al dente texture; drain the pasta under cold running water to speed up cooling. Next, combine the cooled macaroni with eggs in a bowl until well coated.

Divide the macaroni mixture into two portions and spread one half evenly into a rectangular baking pan measuring 11x14x2 inches. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the macaroni layer and drizzle with half of the melted butter. Spread the prepared meat mixture over the top, followed by the remaining macaroni layer. Finish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and melted butter.

Create a rich cream sauce by whisking eggs together with half-and-half. Introduce Parmesan cheese, flour, and salt into the mixture until well blended.

Pour the cream sauce evenly over the top of the pastitsio, followed by a sprinkle of nutmeg for added flavor. Cover the baking pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the top has turned golden brown, taking approximately 30 minutes in total. Remove from oven and let it stand for 15 minutes before serving.