Irresistible Pastitsio Recipe
Dive into the comforting layers of pastitsio, a Greek baked pasta dish that combines rich meat sauce and creamy béchamel for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights, this dish envelops you in warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Ideal for impressing guests or simply enjoying at home, pastitsio is a delightful culinary experience that’s both satisfying and customizable to fit your dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large macaroni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. **Cook the Pasta**: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- 2. **Sauté Aromatics**: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- 3. **Prepare Meat Sauce**: Add ground meat to the skillet with crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until meat is browned and sauce is thickened.
- 4. **Make Béchamel Sauce**: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until golden brown; gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
- 5. **Layer & Bake**: In a baking dish, layer half the pasta followed by meat sauce, half of the béchamel, remaining pasta, and top with the remaining béchamel. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg