Name: Greek Pastitsio
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ziti or penne pasta; 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup red wine; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for béchamel)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek Pastitsio is the perfect combination of hearty, creamy, and aromatic. The meat sauce is deeply savory with subtle warm spices that create incredible depth. The pasta layer is structured and satisfying, while the velvety béchamel topping adds luxurious creaminess to every bite.

This recipe is ideal for family dinners, holidays, or gatherings because it feeds a crowd and slices beautifully for serving. It’s also a wonderful make-ahead meal since the flavors intensify overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pasta layer:

ziti or bucatini pasta
eggs
grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
butter

For the meat sauce:

ground beef or a combination of beef and lamb
onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
crushed tomatoes
tomato paste
olive oil
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
dried oregano
bay leaf
salt
black pepper
red wine (optional)

For the béchamel sauce:

butter
all-purpose flour
whole milk, warmed
eggs
grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese
ground nutmeg
salt
white pepper

Directions

Prepare the meat sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, wine if using, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and most of the liquid has reduced. Remove the bay leaf and set aside.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Stir in butter until melted, then mix in the beaten eggs and grated cheese. Toss until evenly combined.
Make the béchamel sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to form a smooth roux. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before whisking in the eggs, grated cheese, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
Assemble the dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish. Spread the pasta evenly across the bottom, arranging it neatly for defined layers. Spoon the meat sauce over the pasta and spread evenly. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and smooth it out.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Allow the pastitsio to rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together neatly.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 to 10 portions
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 to 50 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef. For a more traditional flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and lamb.

You can deepen the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the meat sauce. Some cooks include finely chopped eggplant or zucchini in the meat layer for added texture and vegetables.

If you prefer an extra golden crust, sprinkle additional grated cheese over the béchamel before baking. For a creamier result, increase the béchamel slightly and spread it generously over the top.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pastitsio in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place portions in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through. Individual slices can also be reheated in the microwave, though oven reheating helps maintain the creamy texture and structure.

Pastitsio freezes well either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

FAQs

Can I prepare Greek Pastitsio in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

What pasta is traditionally used?

Bucatini is traditional, but ziti or penne are excellent substitutes if bucatini is unavailable.

Why is my béchamel sauce too thin?

It may need more cooking time to thicken properly. Continue whisking over medium heat until it coats the back of a spoon.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, allow the pastitsio to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing.

What makes pastitsio different from lasagna?

Pastitsio includes warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in the meat sauce and features a thick béchamel topping instead of ricotta layers.

How do I prevent watery layers?

Ensure the meat sauce is thick and the pasta is well-drained before assembling the dish.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, replace the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground alternative.

What cheese works best?

Kefalotyri is traditional, but Parmesan makes a suitable and accessible alternative.

How long should I let it rest after baking?

Allow at least 20 to 30 minutes for the layers to set before slicing.

Can I use low-fat milk in the béchamel?

You can, though whole milk produces a richer and creamier sauce.

Conclusion

Greek Pastitsio is a timeless baked pasta dish that brings together comforting layers of pasta, richly spiced meat sauce, and creamy béchamel in one impressive casserole. Its balanced flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. Once you serve this classic dish, it is sure to become a favorite in your home.