Description
Greek Pastitsio is a comforting layered pasta casserole featuring tender pasta, cinnamon-spiced beef sauce, and a rich, creamy béchamel topping baked until golden. Each slice reveals beautiful layers and bold Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
12 oz ziti or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk, warmed
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for béchamel)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, draining excess fat if needed. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- To prepare the béchamel, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened. Season with nutmeg and a pinch of salt, remove from heat, and quickly whisk in the beaten egg.
- Layer half of the pasta in the baking dish and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta and Parmesan.
- Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and set. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Ground lamb can be substituted for a more traditional flavor, or ground turkey for a lighter option.
Add a pinch of allspice to the meat sauce for extra warmth.
Kefalotyri cheese can replace Parmesan for a more authentic taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
For clean slices, allow the casserole to rest at least 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
