Pastitsio
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.
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil; sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter; whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in nutmeg and half of the cheese.
- 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.
- 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