Irresistible Pastitsio: A Layered Greek Delight Recipe

There’s something magical about pastitsio that makes even the most mundane weeknight feel like a grand occasion. Imagine layers of tender pasta, ground beef, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to golden perfection. The rich aroma wafts through your kitchen, pulling in family members like bees to honey, each one ready to claim their share of this deliciousness.

When I first made pastitsio for my friends, I was a tad nervous. Would they love it as much as I do? Spoiler alert: there were no leftovers! Each bite was met with satisfied nods and happy dances around the dinner table. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

I remember one particular evening when my brother took his first bite, closed his eyes, and said he felt like he was on a Greek island. That’s the power of pastitsio!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Macaroni or Pasta: Use short pasta shapes like ziti or rigatoni for the best texture and ease in layering.

• Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with some fat content for maximum flavor; it keeps the meat moist during baking.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for better depth in your meat sauce.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic powerhouse!

• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed or diced tomatoes for a rich base; San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice if available.

• Béchamel Sauce: Made with butter, flour, milk, and nutmeg; it adds creaminess that binds everything together beautifully.

• Cheese (Kefalotyri or Parmesan): Grate cheese on top before baking for a golden crust; it’s the finishing touch that makes it irresistible.

• Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors; use it generously in cooking.

• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Oregano): Essential for balancing flavors; don’t forget to season at every step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the meat sauce.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add chopped onions. Sauté until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and stir until fragrant.

Add Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned completely, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go.

Create Meat Sauce: Stir in canned tomatoes along with salt, pepper, oregano, and simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened slightly. The mixture should bubble gently as it mingles into deep flavors.

Prepare Béchamel Sauce: In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until combined before gradually adding milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened then stir in grated cheese and nutmeg.

Layer Your Dish: In a greased baking dish, start layering by placing half of your cooked pasta at the bottom followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers before topping with béchamel sauce and remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Now let’s dive into enjoying this delightful creation! Grab yourself a spoon (or fork) because diving into pastitsio is nothing short of an experience worth savoring!

Once cooled slightly (if you can resist!), serve generous portions with a side salad or crusty bread—your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the meat sauce, then cook the pasta while the sauce simmers. Layer everything in a baking dish, top with béchamel, and bake until golden brown. This sequence helps flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the béchamel for a unique twist that excites the palate.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pastitsio in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring it remains creamy.

Sharing my first attempt at pastitsio brings back fond memories of family laughter and unexpected culinary chaos. My cousin almost mistook cinnamon for cumin, leading to an unforgettable dinner.

FAQ

What is pastitsio?

Pastitsio is a layered pasta dish with meat sauce and béchamel, popular in Greek cuisine.

Can I make pastitsio ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it beforehand and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What can I serve with pastitsio?

Serve pastitsio with a fresh Greek salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Pastitsio

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Pastitsio is a comforting Greek layered dish that combines al dente pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich béchamel sauce baked to perfection. This delicious recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, filling your home with enticing aromas and creating unforgettable memories around the dinner table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 12 oz ziti or rigatoni pasta
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup grated Kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil; sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef; cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter; whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in nutmeg and half of the cheese.
6. Layer half of the pasta in a greased baking dish, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers and top with béchamel sauce and remaining cheese.
7. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 245g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 65mg