Description
This Pastitsio Recipe is a classic Greek layered casserole featuring a rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and pasta, baked to golden perfection. A comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 pound ground beef or lamb, 1/4 cup red wine (optional), 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the pasta layer:
12 ounces ziti or penne pasta, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 large eggs (beaten)
For the béchamel sauce:
4 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3 cups whole milk (warm), 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon white or black pepper, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Make the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic, then ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in red wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, salt, and pepper. Simmer and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and mix with butter, Parmesan, and eggs. Set aside.
- Make the béchamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add warm milk, cook until thickened. Remove from heat, add spices, Parmesan, and egg. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble: Layer pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish. Bake until golden and bubbling. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Pastitsio can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing in the oven.
- For added depth, use half ground beef and half ground lamb.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
