Description
Greek Pastitsio is a classic baked pasta dish made with layers of tubular pasta, a rich spiced ground beef sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping, all baked to golden perfection.
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)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs and nutmeg.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta, then the meat sauce, then remaining pasta.
- Pour béchamel sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Let the pastitsio rest before cutting to help it set properly.
- You can substitute ground lamb for a more traditional flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
