Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Greek Pastitsio, a delightful baked pasta dish layered with savory ground beef and creamy béchamel sauce. This Mediterranean twist on lasagna features al dente pasta enveloped in rich meat sauce, topped with a smooth cheese béchamel that creates an irresistible golden crust. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply a cozy dinner at home, this recipe offers a hearty meal that will satisfy even the largest appetites. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of Greek cuisine, while easily customizing it to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.4 pounds ground beef (or mix of beef and lamb/pork)
- 1 pound pastitsio pasta No2
- 6 cups whole milk
- 1.2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups grated cheese (Greek Kefalotiri and Parmigiano Reggiano)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion (grated or finely chopped)
- 1 carrot (grated)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup dry wine (white, rose, or red)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 cups pureed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly ground nutmeg (about ⅓ of a nutmeg seed)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine salt
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Cook the meat sauce by browning the ground beef in olive oil, then adding onion, carrot, spices, wine, tomato paste, and pureed tomatoes. Simmer until thickened.
- Prepare the pasta by boiling it al dente and mixing it with cheese before layering it in a greased casserole dish.
- Assemble the dish by layering meat sauce over pasta, topping with remaining pasta.
- Make the béchamel by cooking flour in olive oil, gradually adding warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in cheese and eggs.
- Pour béchamel over assembled layers and bake until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg